[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 38 (Monday, March 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 1280, THE GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT OF 
                                  2021

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 1, 2021

  Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to affirm my 
support for H.R. 1280, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 
2021.
  Last summer, in the wake of George Floyd's horrific murder, people in 
communities sweeping the nation and the world took to the streets to 
express anger born of despair. His death was not an isolated incident--
but another in a long, tragic pattern of injustices committed against 
the Black community at the hands of law enforcement. And each incident, 
however severe, serves as a sobering reminder of the systemic racism 
still woven into the fabric of our institutions.
  For many, the death of George Floyd is merely an eye-opening 
introduction to the harsh, unequal application of justice unfairly 
meted on the Black community. But for us, this is nothing new. Many 
decades ago, I remember having the conversation with my parents about 
how to act during a police encounter. Fast forward to a newer 
generation, I was forced to have that same conversation with my son--
but it does not stop there. As my son raised his three sons, he too had 
to repeat this morbid discussion with my grandsons. For far too long, 
for too many generations, we have tolerated and suffered the 
consequences of racism in our way of life. But at this moment, in the 
wake of so much pain and grief, Congress has a moral responsibility to 
meet the calls for bold and transformative change.
  As such to support federal policies to address this ongoing issue, I 
am proud to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 1280, the George Floyd 
Justice in Policing Act. This proposed legislation would: ban the use 
of no-knock warrants and deadly chokeholds; limit the transfer of 
military-grade equipment to police departments; and, most importantly, 
put into place several reforms to make it easier to hold police 
officers accountable for misconduct. If enacted, the Justice in 
Policing Act will be a critical first--but necessary first--step on the 
path towards racial reconciliation.
  It is important to note that this legislation alone cannot right the 
wrongs of the past, nor will it guarantee the total prevention of 
injustices in the future. Rather, we must empower our communities to 
reimagine public safety in an equitable manner. This means 
reinvesting--not defunding--police department resources to prioritize 
community-based safety efforts. Further, I am pleased that the Justice 
in Policing Act supports this proposal by providing public safety 
innovation grants for localities to reassess current practices.
  To those who called, wrote, and visited my offices to relay your 
support for this bill, know that my vote today lends action to your 
voices. You have inspired me with your dedicated and tireless advocacy 
for justice, and it is because of you that I am optimistic for the 
success of our individual and collective cause.
  Black lives matter, Madam Speaker, and it is past time that the laws 
of our nation reflect it. That is why I am urging my colleagues on both 
sides of the aisle to support this bill. It goes sans saying that I 
strongly encourage its immediate consideration and passage in the 
Senate.

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