Burgess: Police Reform is a Bipartisan Necessity not Partisan Priority

Statement

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted on the Justice in Policing Act.

"The actions America witnessed this week were completely partisan," said Burgess. "There is a need for reform within police departments across the nation. Instead of negotiating with Republicans, Democrats decided to deny the country the opportunity to see Congress work."

"Last night in the House Rules Committee, amendment after amendment was offered by my fellow Republican Rules Committee members and me. Each time the Democrats voted them down.

"On Wednesday, Senate Democrats voted against debating Senator Tim Scott's JUSTICE Act, and the Senate Minority Leader has been quoted saying it was not salvageable. The JUSTICE Act addressed and even included policies that Democrats have said were priorities.

"In addressing police reform, we need to be sure that we are putting forward policies that will permanently remove the bad actors from serving on any police force, provide the resources law enforcement needs to be adequately prepared to serve our communities, and attract and retain the highest caliber recruits.

"This week, Republicans came to the table ready to work and put forward solutions. Instead of creating a bipartisan bill, Democrats chose to put a campaign speech before good policy for the American people."

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