McAdams Supports the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

Congressman Ben McAdams supported legislation that puts forward effective policing reforms that will result in a more fair and just system for Black Americans. The measure is a response to recent incidents of horrific violence that have claimed the lives of Black Americans at the hands of law enforcement, including the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers.

"Our country faces an important moment of reckoning. Too many Black Americans are dying at the hands of some in law enforcement. The sad truth is that equality, fairness and justice are not given as a matter of law to all citizens. This bill takes important steps to support communities as they implement reforms and seek to build trust between all residents and law enforcement," said McAdams.

McAdams said key reforms in the bill (H.R. 7120) include:

- Raising accountability with law enforcement, including a requirement for federal body cameras. Utah has a state body camera requirement for law enforcement.
- Tools for law enforcement agencies to improve themselves including transparency in police disciplinary records and implementing citizen review boards.
- Training and de-escalation measures to reduce deadly interactions between Black Americans and some in law enforcement, including a ban on choke holds similar to the ban passed by the Utah legislature.

The legislation does not defund the police as some have called for.

"Most police officers diligently do their jobs to protect our communities and keep us safe. I do not support the idea of defunding the police. I do support police reforms. These reforms continue to build on the important criminal justice reforms that have occurred at the local, state and federal levels," said McAdams.

Following passage in the House, McAdams said it is critical that discussions go forward with Republicans and with the U.S. Senate and agrees with Senator Mitt Romney that both the House and Senate bills have much in common. McAdams said he wants to see differences hammered out and a final vote on a police reform measure that will become law.

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