Congressman Kim Co-Sponsors Justice in Policing Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) announced that he will co-sponsor the Justice in Policing Act, H.R. 7120, a bill that would make critical reforms to America’s law enforcement system in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, and a number of other deaths within communities of color by law enforcement personnel.

“The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner and so many others are tragic and stark reminders that reform isn’t just necessary, it’s a matter of life and death,” said Congressman Kim. “The way to achieve justice and create real public safety isn’t to get caught in partisan fights about debates over defunding or dismantling our law enforcement, but by making real meaningful change to make law enforcement more accountable to the people it serves and by ensuring communities of color get the resources they’ve been denied for too long. I’m proud to stand with members of the Congressional Black Caucus to support this bill and will fight hard to see it passed into law.”

The Justice in Policing Act provides critical reforms that address ongoing issues impacting law enforcement and communities of color with the aim of greater public safety. The bill would ban the use of chokeholds, end racial profiling, make lynching a federal crime, mandate data collection on police encounters, ensure taxpayer dollars are spent on effective, community-based policing programs, and streamline federal law to prosecute excessive force and establish independent prosecutors for police investigations.

In the past weeks, Congressman Kim has joined peaceful demonstrations calling for justice for George Floyd, has held a virtual forum on discrimination and bias, and has met with Black community leaders to hear their concerns and discuss solutions on police reform and other critical issues. In the coming weeks, the Congressman will be holding additional listening sessions and convenings to elevate the voices and issues of the Black community in Burlington and Ocean Counties.

Congressman Kim is a member of the bipartisan House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis, where he serves as one of twelve members of the House tasked with conducting oversight over programs aimed at ending the Coronavirus pandemic and helping address the economic impact it’s having on the American people. Congressman Kim is also a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Small Business. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website by clicking here.

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