Dear Mr. Hamster,
Thank you for contacting me about the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. As a former Navy pilot, combat veteran and retired NASA astronaut, it is an honor to continue my service to our country representing Arizona in the United States Senate. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on the issues facing our state and our country. Hearing from Arizonans helps me better serve our state, and I hope you will continue to share your perspective and suggestions.
In the wake of the tragic murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other black Americans, many Arizonans have raised concerns over the need to reform law enforcement policies and confront systemic racism in our justice system that leads to deadly violence and a disproportionate number of black Americans being incarcerated. Law enforcement is an integral part of maintaining peace and preventing crime in our communities. Growing up as the son of two police officers, I learned how difficult the job is, and about public service and caring for your community. At the same time, the discrimination that many Americans have faced from law enforcement is unacceptable. As Arizona’s senator, I am committed to finding common ground to ensure law enforcement accountability and keep our communities safe.
On February 24, 2021, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021, H.R. 1280, was introduced in the House of Representatives. The bill requires police departments that receive federal funds to provide mandatory development and training programs to counter discriminatory profiling and bans federal law enforcement personnel from using chokeholds, carotid holds, and no-knock warrants. The bill would also require the use of dashboard and body cameras for federal, state, and local law enforcement. Furthermore, H.R. 1280 would require law enforcement agencies to report use of force data and would establish a National Misconduct Registry to prevent officers with a history of misconduct from being hired in another jurisdiction. The House passed this bill on March 3, 2021 and it was subsequently referred to the Senate for further consideration.
All Arizonans can agree that communities deserve transparent, accountable law enforcement that does not discriminate. I will consider any police reform legislation based on how it will advance these goals to make our justice system more fair and our communities safer. I am committed to working with my colleagues in the United States Senate, both Republicans and Democrats, to ensure law enforcement protects and serves all Arizonans.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this issue, and I hope you will continue to contact my office with any future comments or questions. I’m committed to being transparent and accountable with all Arizonans, which is why I release my public schedule at kelly.senate.gov. There you can also sign up for my newsletter, receive assistance with a federal agency, and learn more about my work as Arizona’s senator.
Sincerely,
Mark Kelly
United States Senator