Cop bill standoff
House Dems approve police overhaul as Senate stalls
WASHINGTON — The House voted on party lines Thursday to advance a sweeping police reform bill, with Republicans accusing Democrats of a cynical stunt and some denying racism is the problem.
The bill — passed in a 236-181 vote — faces poor prospects in the GOP-controlled Senate.
It aims to ban chokeholds, no-knock warrants and racial profiling, end the growing militarization of police, and boost accountability for rogue cops.
“We’re tired of police violence in a country where the Declaration of Independence promises life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). “We’re tired of police violence in a country where the Pledge of Allegiance promises liberty and justice for all. We’re tired of police violence in a country where the Constitution promises equal protection under the law.”
Republicans acknowledged the horror of George Floyd’s killing under the knee of a police officer last month. Some also admitted the system needs to change but many rejected the underlying reality of racism in America.
“I don’t understand why George Floyd died under the knee of a police officer. I really don’t,” said Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.).
Rep. Glenn Grothman (RWis.) objected to the attention on black deaths, and offered a motive for why Democrats and the media talk about killings such as Floyd’s and Eric Garner’s on Staten Island.
“They want to tear this country apart,” Grothman argued. “They want to enrage black people, and they want to make white people feel guilty and not like America.”
Democrats objected to such statements. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.), chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, told Loudermilk the reason he couldn’t come up with was racism.
Democrats hope the passage of their bill puts pressure on the Senate, although Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has offered no sign that he will take up the bill. He favors a measure offered by Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), but Democrats in the Senate blocked the weaker proposal Wednesday.