[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 198 (Tuesday, December 20, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9626-S9627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

      By Mr. PADILLA:
  S. 5309. A bill to prohibit a Federal law enforcement officer from 
using lethal force or less lethal force unless such force is necessary, 
to encourage States to adopt similar laws or policies, and for other 
purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

[[Page S9627]]

  

  Mr. PADILLA. Mr. President, I rise to introduce the PEACE Act.
  This legislation recognizes the need to reform the standard for use 
of force with Federal officers. In order to strengthen our criminal 
justice system and reduce the risks posed to both law enforcement 
officers and the public, we must reconsider when lethal force is 
necessary.
  This legislation would end the use of deadly force by Federal law 
enforcement unless there are no other reasonable alternatives.
  This legislation would also condition certain DOJ funding for States 
on whether they enact legislation that establishes the same higher 
standard of conduct for local law enforcement. The current 
accountability structure for lethal force on the Federal level fails to 
accurately ensure accountability when members of the public are killed.
  A lack of accountability when members of the public are killed is a 
breeding ground for illicit behavior. In recent years, it has been 
continuously shown that Black people are more likely to experience 
incidents involving excessive force when interacting with police.
  Americans deserve better. We deserve a system that will encourage 
deescalation tactics and hold bad actors accountable. This is too 
urgent a need to go unaddressed.
  Public safety is a two-way street. We trust law enforcement to 
maintain order. In return, we expect officers to be held to account for 
bad behavior. This bill is an important step to reducing unnecessary 
losses of life and building trust between the public and law 
enforcement.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass the PEACE Act as 
quickly as possible.

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