WASHINGTON, D.C.— Following today’s procedural vote in the Senate, in which Democrats stopped the advancement of a sham Republican police reform bill, PFAW President Ben Jealous and Senior Director of Outreach and Public Engagement Diallo Brooks released the following statements:

“We’re happy to see that a majority of Senate Democrats stood up and said ‘No’ to the Republicans’ sham police reform bill. These senators had the guts to stand on principle and say it’s time to get serious about ending police killings. And it might take some time for Congress to get this right. That means we have to start looking at reforms we can make at the local level right now. There’s a lot that mayors and city councils can do to reform policing and save lives without waiting for Congress to act, and we shouldn’t wait to make those changes,” said Jealous.

“Most Senate Democrats rightfully listened to the warnings from activists and the civil rights community, calling Republicans out on their political game-playing and putting a stop to a police ‘reform’ bill that would have no impact on policing in the real world. Unarmed people are dying at the hands of police officers. It’s time to get serious about solutions at every level of government — including local governments that don’t have to wait for Congress to act,” said Brooks. 

About People For the American Way

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.