Police overhaul stalls as Dems block GOP bill
WASHINGTON — A Republican policing bill stalled out Wednesday, blocked by Senate Democrats who dismissed it as meager “crumbs” in a vote that signals the collapse for now of Congress’ efforts to respond to mass demonstrations over the killings of Black people.
With a tally that fell almost exclusively along party lines, Congress reached a familiar impasse despite public outcry over the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other Americans. Polling shows the country overwhelmingly wants changes. But in the stalemate, Democrats and Republicans are blaming each other as a generational crisis over racial injustice and police tactics explodes outside the doors.
“I’m frustrated,” said Sen. Tim Scott, the only Black Republican senator and the author of the GOP legislation. “The issue is: Do we matter?” he asked, echoing the words of the Black Lives Matter movement, during an impassioned
Senate speech that drew applause from his colleagues. “We said no today.”
The outlook ahead is uncertain, as Democrats press forward Thursday with a House vote on their bill, a more sweeping package that is certain to be approved. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has vowed to try again before the July 4 recess. Yet swift action seems difficult.
After Senate Democrats blocked discussion of the Republican bill, Pennsylvania’s senators split on the fundamentals of policing reform.
Sen. Bob Casey, R-Pa., told reporters in a phone call he believed the GOP measure “doesn’t meet the moment.”
“It really doesn’t scratch the surface on accountability — all it seems to do is try to provide incentives” for police to improve practices, he said.
“This is a time for definitive action,” Mr. Casey said. “No organization likes change often. Sometimes change has to be imposed.”
Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., who signed onto the GOP bill
Tuesday, said the Democrats had received “repeated assurances of a full debate” and unlimited opportunities to amend the bill as they saw fit.
“After weeks of telling anyone with a notebook or microphone that the Senate has an obligation to consider policing reforms, Senate Democrats today blocked the opportunity to even consider legislation on this issue,” Mr. Toomey said.
With the standoff, the parties are settled into their political comfort zones, even if they are displeased with the actual outcome. Republicans are lined up squarely behind Mr. Scott, a uniquely credible voice in the chamber recounting his personal experience with racism at the hands of police. Democrats, led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, are standing with progressive and civil rights activists urging outright rejection of the Republican approach.