Political Quotes

“The bill I introduced last week, the End Racial Profiling Act, would build on the Department of Justice's current ``Guidance Regarding the Use of Race by Federal Law Enforcement Agencies'' issued in 2003. This official Department of Justice guidance certainly was a step forward, but it does not have adequate provisions for data collection and enforcement for State and local agencies. The Department of Justice guidance also does not have the force of law. The legislation I introduced would prohibit the use of racial profiling by Federal, State, or local law enforcement agencies. This bill clearly defines racial profiling to include race, ethnicity, national origin, or religion as protected classes. It requires training of law enforcement officers to ensure they understand the law and its prohibitions. It creates procedures for receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints about racial profiling. It would apply equally to Federal, State, and local law enforcement, which creates consistent standards at all levels of government. The vast majority of our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day handle their jobs with professionalism, diligence, and fidelity to the rule of law. However, Congress and the Justice Department can still take steps to prohibit racial profiling and root out its use. I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact this very important legislation. Mr. President, I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER.…”