In the Wake of COVID-19, George Floyd's Murder, Haaland Co-Leads Introduction of Bill to Address Slavery and Racism's Impact on Laws and Policies

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Deb Haaland co-led the introduction of a bill that will establish a Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Commission to examine the effects of slavery and racism against people of color, on American history, and its impact on laws and policies we have today. The bill, led by Congresswoman Barbara Lee (Calif.-16) comes in the wake of COVID-19 and the aftermath of George Floyd's murder. The bill was announced on a press call with other members of Congress from communities of color.

"The pain our country feels is rooted in generations of institutional racism. People of color are dying unjust deaths at the hands of power abusers. Whether it be the abuse of power that poisons the air and water surrounding communities of color, taking away protections for undocumented young people, underfunding Tribes putting them at disproportionate risk during a pandemic, or police brutality that kills unarmed black people, we must untangle the racist webs that are woven into our laws and policies. The Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Resolution takes a step to fully examine how slavery and racism have impacted laws and policies on the books, so that we can take action," said Congresswoman Deb Haaland.

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