Hudson Disappointed by Judiciary Committee Debate of Police Reform Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), a leader in forging bipartisan police reform and equal justice for communities, released the following statement on the debate of the Justice in Policing Act by the Judiciary Committee:

"As someone who wants to heal our communities and achieve real police reform, I was disappointed by the Judiciary Committee's debate of the Justice in Police Act. This issue requires bipartisan action to make real change, yet Democrats refused to accept Republican input on issues like preventing unions from protecting bad cops and increasing the penalty for lynching," said Rep. Hudson. "Instead of rubber stamping a partisan bill that will not be accepted by the Senate or White House, I call on my colleagues across the aisle to consider common sense input so we can have meaningful reform. In the meantime, I look forward to continuing to forge a bipartisan path forward."

House Republicans introduced 12 amendments which were all rejected by the Committee's Democrats. Among the Republican amendments rejected in yesterday's hearing included a measure by Rep. Ben Cline (VA-06) that would limit collective bargaining agreements to exclude privileges that have been abused by bad cops like destroying misconduct files and arbitration. Rejecting this measure will allow unions to continue to protect bad cops who have had disciplinary action against them. This issue has come under intense scrutiny as the officer who killed George Floyd had multiple disciplinary complaints filed against him.

The Committee Democrats also rejected a proposal to increase the penalty for lynching. The current penalty is 10 years in prison. Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-1) introduced an amendment to impose the death penalty which was rejected because Democrats said it went too far. A subsequent proposal to impose life in prison for the crime was also not pursued.

Additionally, the Committee also refused to make reforms to qualified immunity. Democrats have sought to eliminate it completely. Republicans don't want to put every copy in civil court each time a disgruntled person wants to sue them. Last night, Republicans offered a common sense solution which was also rejected.

Last week, Rep. Hudson unveiled discussion draft legislation called the George Floyd JUSTICE Act that outlines bipartisan priorities for police reform and community engagement. The discussion draft addresses collective bargaining agreements, lynching and qualified immunity.

Read Rep. Hudson's discussion draft legislation here.

On June 6, Rep. Hudson was asked to speak at a memorial service in Raeford for George Floyd, who was born in Fayetteville. Rep. Hudson addressed the need for bipartisan reform at the service.

Watch Rep. Hudson's remarks here.