WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative David B. McKinley P.E. (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement after the House passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act:
“Most Americans would agree it is time to make reforms to our law enforcement policies. Unfortunately, yesterday Senate Democrats blocked a reasonable police reform bill, and today Speaker Pelosi offered a partisan proposal that was crafted without any input from Republicans or any ability to amend it.
“Certainly, there are a number of areas where we can find common ground, such as dealing with chokeholds, expanding accountability and transparency, and improving training and law enforcement data. After listening to input from county sheriffs and local police chiefs across West Virginia it was abundantly clear that an unintended consequence of adopting the bill would subject law enforcement officers to frivolous lawsuits and decimate recruitment and retention. Simply put, it would put the safety of our communities in jeopardy.
“Of course, Congress can do better. I fully expect this will not be the last vote on police reform. It is obvious that this was a political bill, not a serious solution that can be signed into law. The American people deserve a bipartisan approach, not election year divisiveness,” said Rep. McKinley.