Delegation supports policing legislation

In the wake of the death of George Floyd, all six members of the Arkansas congressional delegation are backing the Just and Unifying Solutions to Invigorate Communities Everywhere — or JUSTICE — Act.

Among other things, it would provide additional funding for body cameras, while also penalizing law enforcement agencies that fail to report certain information, including deadly use of force. It also would make lynching a federal crime and create a “commission on the social status of black men and boys.”

The Republican measure is an alternative to Democratic legislation that would bar the use of chokeholds and noknock warrants. The Arkansas delegation is all Republican.

U.S. Rep. French Hill of Little Rock said the measure includes “core improvement opportunities that are available.”

“We have consensus and I hope that it’s a good bipartisan consensus and that we can actually get a bill passed and enacted into law,” he said.

In a written statement, U.S. Rep. Steve Womack of Rogers also expressed support for the legislation, saying it “takes meaningful steps to strengthen policing and ensure equal protection under the law.”

“By improving training, enhancing reporting transparency, increasing resources for body cameras, and holding bad actors accountable — we can ensure safer communities for all Americans. The responsibility of our hardworking police officers is a great one, and I hope Congress will rise to the moment by advancing these reforms,” he said.