Correa Votes To Pass Landmark Police Reform Legislation
Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Lou Correa voted to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act—landmark legislation that reforms America’s police departments and rebuild trusts in our communities. The Congressman, who serves on the House Judiciary Committee, urged his colleagues to join him in passing this critical legislation and restore honor to policing in America.
Congressman Correa also, once again, called on his colleagues to support his efforts to deschedule cannabis, citing cannabis arrests as one of the leading causes for violent interactions between law enforcement and people of color.
Rep. Correa said, "I am proud to join my colleague and friend, Congresswoman Karen Bass of California, in support of her legislation—H.R. 7120 - George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. The tragic death of George Floyd and countless others will not be in vain. The outrage, frustration, and despair we have all felt will not be forgotten.
"While we value and respect the brave and honorable law enforcement professionals who put their lives on the line each and every day to protect us and our communities, we must acknowledge that there are many who should not be police officers. This bill is a comprehensive approach to police reform that aims to end decades of systemic racism by providing better training and oversight.
"I had hoped that arrest disparities—specifically cannabis-related arrests—would have been incorporated into the bill. According to the ACLU, 'Black people are more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession, and in some states,...ten times more likely to be arrested.'
"Cannabis is a medical and social matter best addressed by health and medical experts and not by our public safety officers. It is time we stop making police officers responsible for public policy change. We must reform the federal cannabis policy.
"Cannabis policy reform alone will not undo all of the practices that have led to demonstrators asking for justice and respect for black lives, but it is a major step in the right direction. For far too long, pleas for justice and reform have fallen on deaf ears in Congress. This changed today."
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Rep. Lou Correa represents California’s 46th Congressional District. He serves as Chair of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, and as the Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet. Read more here.
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