Washington, DC—June 19, 2020….Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) joined Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-8), Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), and more than one hundred of their colleagues to introduce the Just and Unifying Solutions to Invigorate Communities Everywhere (JUSTICE) Act in Congress this week. The bill focuses on strengthening transparency, accountability, and performance of law enforcement to support the protection and care of our communities and equal justice under the law:

Congressman Womack said, “The men and women who wear the badge have accepted a duty to protect and serve, and citizens rightfully expect the highest standard of integrity and commitment from law enforcement. While the vast majority of officers uphold that sacred oath each day, we can’t turn a blind eye to those who’ve abused their authority. The JUSTICE Act takes meaningful steps to strengthen policing and ensure equal protection under the law. By improving training, enhancing reporting transparency, increasing resources for body cameras, and holding bad actors accountable—we can ensure safer communities for all Americans. The responsibility of our hardworking police officers is a great one, and I hope Congress will rise to the moment by advancing these reforms.”

Provisions of the JUSTICE Act include, but are not limited to:

• Strengthens training methods and tactics throughout law enforcement jurisdictions with an emphasis on alternatives to use of force and de-escalation methods;
• Helps ensure force integrity by maintaining and enhancing systems that share disciplinary records;
• Improves law enforcement transparency through additional reporting on use of force and no-knock warrants;
• Bolsters accountability by increasing resources for body cameras and ensuring that footage is being stored properly;
• Makes lynching a federal crime; and
• Establishes a commission to study and offer solutions to a broader range of challenges facing black men and boys, and the criminal justice system as a whole.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Budget and is a member of the House Appropriations defense and transportation, housing and urban development subcommittees.

womack.house.gov

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