Fortenberry Statement on the Justice in Policing Act

Press Release

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) offered the following statement today after the House vote on the Justice in Policing Act.

"The cruel, senseless killing of George Floyd has given our country a moment----to pause, to reflect, to act. It was my hope that we could achieve a bipartisan consensus, for the sake of the country, on the right types of reform to stop police violence, enhance police accountability, and find unity in this painful moment. Instead, Washington has diverted to a tired political model, not worthy of the challenge before us," Fortenberry said.

"In Lincoln, where I live, we have a long history of community policing, which emphasizes prevention, intervention, and enforcement. This holistic approach to policing creates the space for relationship, de-escalation, and, at the same time, safety for our community. This is the type of model that needs to be adopted across our country. Because of the George Floyd killing, I was shocked to learn how many police departments across America do not deploy these strategies," Fortenberry added.

"I know most Nebraskans are interested in some type of responsible action here. But, as one police chief wrote to me, if this version of police reform passes, he could no longer be a police officer," Fortenberry said.

"These are some of the reasons I could not support the measure. I am the co-sponsor of the JUSTICE Act, another model for police reform," Fortenberry added.

Fortenberry is the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations.

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