On the recordJune 25, 2020
I thank the gentlewoman for her tremendous leadership. Mr. Speaker, this bill is an important start--not an end--of what must be done to stop racism in America. So much more must be accomplished by the local police departments across the country. This is more than a few bad apples. It is a virus that has too often infected the orchard. This is not a time for meaningless gestures or watered-down proposals, but for real, meaningful action. Black lives matter because for so often and for so long they have been the subject of violence and prejudices as though they did not. In Austin, Mike Ramos was fleeing. Javier Ambler couldn't breathe. Both were unarmed, unthreatening, and both are now dead. While technology has literally brought this violence into our homes, we also recognize how many incidences have never been reported. Failure by some law enforcement personnel to protect Black citizens, threatens the very core of our democracy. What we do today is not only about protecting those victims, but it is also with respect and thanks to the many dedicated police officers who put their lives on the line daily for our security. What we need is to reach across the divide, to have protesters educating police about their concerns, and officers listening and affirming that they want to be a part of the solution that we offer today. {time} 1730
