June 24, 2020

Van Hollen Statement on Inadequate Republican-Proposed Police Legislation

“The proposal put forward by Senate Republicans today does not meet the need for real, systemic change”

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on his vote against Senate consideration of the Republican Justice Act: 

“Our nation is facing a moment of reckoning. Yet the proposal put forward by Senate Republicans today does not meet the need for real, systemic change. Unfortunately, it is ultimately a maneuver to subvert meaningful change in police accountability. If Senator McConnell were serious about addressing the urgency of the moment and movement, he would bring a bipartisan, substantive bill before the Senate for debate. Instead, this legislation does not include robust accountability and transparency. It does not address no-knock warrants, or place a meaningful ban on chokeholds, or speak to racial profiling, or ensure accountability for officers’ misconduct. The Senate must do better. 

“I urge Leader McConnell to listen to the calls of Americans – including the nearly 150 civil rights groups – for real change. It’s long past time for reforms – like those included in the Justice in Policing Act – that have teeth and will bring about immediate change. We cannot let this moment pass without action.”  

Senator Van Hollen is an original cosponsor of the Justice in Policing Act, legislation introduced by Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) in addition to members of Senate, House, and Congressional Black Caucus leadership to end police brutality, hold police accountable, improve transparency in policing and create meaningful, structural change that safeguards every American’s right to safety and equal justice.