Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise today as the Senate considers this week the resolution to rescind the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Amendment Act, passed by the DC City Council on January 19, 2023. As a general matter, I believe that the people of Washington, DC, and their elected representatives should have the autonomy to govern themselves. For years, I have cosponsored and fought to pass the Washington D.C. Admission Act, which would admit the District of Columbia as a state. I have also long supported funding for the police, as well as reforms, to help ensure that our justice system works for everyone. That includes being the lead sponsor of the COPS Reauthorization Act to provide Federal funding to law enforcement departments across the country to hire and retain police officers. I also support police reform measures focused on holding officers who break the law accountable for misconduct, increasing transparency in police practices, and improving police conduct and training. The DC City Council's bill included many changes to strengthen accountability measures and improve conduct, including reforms to prevent the use of chokeholds, limit the use of force, and expand the use of de-escalation tactics. The bill also takes steps to prevent officers who have committed serious acts of misconduct or were fired for disciplinary reasons from serving on the DC police force. I support these efforts, which is why I oppose the resolution.…”