House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is turning to the Congressional Black Caucus for ideas on a legislative response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer last week.
Pelosi, along with House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and other lawmakers are also looking to pluck ideas from more than 40 existing bills on policing already introduced, according to Bloomberg
"It would be irresponsible for us to wait," said Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), head of the Congressional Black Caucus during a call with reporters. "Acting as soon as possible, I believe, means the end of June. It does not mean waiting until July."
The House is not scheduled to return to Washington for votes until June 30, though Hoyer has said lawmakers could be called back sooner. While some Senate Republicans have expressed interest in addressing the issue of police abuses and inequality, there’s been no sign that GOP lawmakers are prepared to move on comprehensive policing legislation.
Pelosi is turning to the Congressional Black Caucus to lead the way on the bill. Drafting of the House legislative language is underway, and Bass said the Judiciary Committee -- of which she is a member -- will hold its first hearing on the package next week. -Bloomberg
According to the report, measures on the table include getting rid of the 'qualified immunity' legal doctrine that shields police officers from liability or prosecution while on duty - as well as banning the use of choke holds and addressing racial profiling.
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