[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 91 (Friday, May 24, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING GEORGE FLOYD

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. JOYCE BEATTY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 21, 2024

  Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to mark the solemn anniversary of 
George Floyd's untimely passing--a moment etched in history that shook 
our Nation to its core and reverberated across the globe, igniting a 
resounding call for justice. As we reflect on this time, we cannot 
overlook the profound pain and anguish endured by George Floyd's loved 
ones and the countless individuals whose lives have been unjustly cut 
short by police violence.
  Yet, within this sorrow lies hope--a hope fueled by a resilient 
movement that refuses to relent until systemic change is realized. This 
movement, driven by tireless activists, organizers, and everyday 
citizens, rejects the status quo that devalues Black lives and 
perpetuates injustice.
  As lawmakers, we bear a solemn responsibility to heed the impassioned 
cries for reform and to enact meaningful change. That is why I implore 
my esteemed colleagues in the U.S. House and Senate to swiftly pass the 
reintroduced George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. This crucial 
legislation transcends mere policy; it serves as a beacon of hope for a 
more just and equitable future, holding accountable those who betray 
the trust bestowed upon them and empowering law enforcement with the 
necessary tools to serve communities with fairness and integrity.
  Currently, with over 18,000 police departments operating under 
varying standards, our Nation faces a disjointed approach to policing 
that breeds inconsistency and erodes public trust. The George Floyd 
Justice in Policing Act addresses this patchwork of pain, ushering in 
meaningful reforms to root out systemic racism and police brutality and 
prioritizing the sanctity of human life.
  Though the passage of time may dull the immediacy of George Floyd's 
tragic death, the urgency for meaningful change remains undiminished. 
Let us honor his memory not with fleeting tributes, but with unwavering 
commitment to enact reform and forge a society where every individual 
is treated with dignity and respect under the law.

                          ____________________