Chris Smith: “The JUSTICE Act is designed to ensure greater transparency and accountability in policing in order to build safer…”

“The JUSTICE Act is designed to ensure greater transparency and accountability in policing in order to build safer communities. I cosponsored the JUSTICE Act because it is a serious, comprehensive and balanced reform initiative--an important step forward. I am deeply grateful to Senator Tim Scott and Congressman Pete Stauber for authoring this bicameral legislation. The killing of George Floyd while in custody by a Minneapolis police officer demands justice and has resulted in a fresh and necessary look at crime and policing. I watched the video of Derek Chauvin kneeling on the neck of Mr. Floyd who pleaded ``I can't breathe'' with horror and disbelief. Chauvin not only betrayed his solemn duty to serve and protect but he betrayed, as well, police officers throughout the nation who serve with great honor and valor, and make enormous sacrifices to protect the innocent and enforce the law. Today I--like many Americans--believe that nonviolent dialogue and persuasion are not only the best way, but it is the only way to achieve meaningful change. Those who commit violent acts against police and others, as well as those who destroy property and steal, should be prosecuted to the greatest extent of the law.…”