Rep. Cline Opposes Defunding the Police

March 4, 2021
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Last night, the House passed legislation that aims to defund and dismantle our police departments across the country. Not only does it eliminate qualified immunity which would cause officers to second guess themselves in a life and death situation, but it also strips them of necessary resources and tactics that allow good police officers to do their jobs effectively and uphold the Rule of Law. While I could not vote for this bill, I do support the JUSTICE Act, which supports our police and strengthens relationships that ensure the safety and security of all communities. Specifically, this legislation would:
✅ Improve law enforcement transparency through additional reporting including annual reporting on the use of force and reporting on no-knock warrants.
✅ Ensure law enforcement agencies and officers are held accountable by developing accessible disciplinary records systems.
✅ Provide $500 million for state and local law enforcement agencies to equip all officers with body cameras, improve the use of body cameras, and store and retain footage.
✅ Ban the use of chokeholds except for when the use of deadly force is permitted under law.
✅ Improve officer training by directing the Attorney General to develop curricula related to the duty to intervene and de-escalation tactics.
✅ Includes the Justice for Victims of Lynching Act, making lynching a federal crime.