Democrats unveil police reform bill after nationwide protests against brutality

The bill “establishes a bold, transformative vision of policing in America,” said Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif., at a news conference where Democrats introduced the measure. She said Americans should not have to witness “the slow murder of an individual by a uniformed police officer.” Bass added that the bill has more than 200 co-sponsors in both chambers of Congress. 

The Democratic plan did not meet many activists’ demands to slash — or entirely cut — police funding. Bass said the bill “does not provide any new money for policing.” It does offer funds for two components: the requirement to track and report use of force and the investigations by state attorneys general, according to NBC News. 

It is unclear whether the bill as written — or any specific parts of it — could garner support from Republicans. The GOP controls the Senate, while Democrats hold the House. 

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said that “in the Senate, Democrats are going to fight like hell” to pass the legislation. He called on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring the bill to the Senate floor and hold a debate on it “before July.” 

Article source: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/08/democrats-release-police-reform-bill-after-george-floyd-protests.html