Lucas on Democrats’ Partisan Police Reform Legislation

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed House Democrats’ partisan police reform legislation, H.R. 7120- the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, by a vote of 236-181:

“Exactly one month ago, we witnessed the horrific, unjustified death of George Floyd. Since then, America and communities across Oklahoma have called for positive police reform. Republicans agree that reforms are needed to increase transparency and strengthen training methods and we stand ready offering bipartisan solutions to address police misconduct and accountability issues, said Congressman Lucas.

Lucas continued, “Sadly though, House Democrats rejected the opportunity to enact real and meaningful reform. Today, House Democrats passed a purely partisan approach without ever considering Republican amendments, showing the American people they were never interested in working with Republicans to enact positive change.

 I am truly disappointed in Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats for closing this process. Congress must do its work. Congress must work in a bipartisan manner and rise to the occasion and offer real reforms for justice.”

Lucas cosponsored the House version of Senator Tim Scott’s (R-SC) JUSTICE Act, legislation providing long-term solutions focused on police reform, accountability, and transparency. The bill also promotes efforts to find solutions to systemic issues that affect people of color, such as education and health disparities.