Torres Helps Shape, Pass Police Reform Legislation
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today voted in favor of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, legislation to address systemic racism in law enforcement and protect black and brown communities from discriminatory police practices.
Torres, who spent 17.5 years as a 911 dispatcher for the Los Angeles Police Department, provided recommendations to her colleagues on the House Judiciary Committee as they developed the legislation. Rep. Torres' input led to:
- A stronger national misconduct registry;
- A requirement for states to have misconduct decertification plans in place; and
- A provision allowing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to ensure states meet strong certification requirements for police officers.
As a member of the House Rules Committee, Rep. Torres gave impassioned testimony in favor of the legislation as the committee considered it on Wednesday.
Key excerpt:
"When Mr. Floyd cried for his mom, he was calling me because I'm a mom, too. He activated every woman in America to look in the mirror and ask the question: Is this the best we can do?"
Rep. Torres Speaks in Favor of the Justice in Policing Act of 2020.
The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act passed the House today by a vote of 236 to 181 Rep. Torres released the following statement:
"The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is urgently needed, long overdue, and simply not enough to address the wounds of racial injustice that cut back for generations in this country," Rep. Torres said. "I commend Congresswoman Bass, Chairman Nadler and the rest of my colleagues on the Judiciary Committee for bringing us this far in addressing an issue that has seemed unsolvable for far too long – it's up to every one of us to build on their efforts going forward."
Today's vote comes just one day after Rep. Torres led more than two dozen lawmakers in calling on the U.S. State Department to update and un-redact a 2006 FBI intelligence assessment on white supremacy infiltration into law enforcement.
That report, entitled "White Supremacist Infiltration of Law Enforcement," was released in a heavily redacted form in 2006.
Torres joined MSNBC's Check Todd and Katy Tur today to discuss her letter in advance of the Justice in Policing Act vote.
Key Excerpt:
"Problem officers continue to get hired by agencies – they move from one place to another to try to give them a second chance.
"You know who doesn't get a second chance? Black and brown Americans do not get a second chance."
Rep. Torres on FBI report on white supremacy infiltration of law enforcement.
More information about the Justice in Policing Act is available here.
The heavily redacted version of the FBI intelligence assessment, "White Supremacist Infiltration of Law Enforcement," is available here.
More information about Rep. Torres' letter on the FBI intelligence Assessment is available here.
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