Lord, inspire our senators to know that you are still on your throne working for the good of those who love you. Listen to our prayers and give us wisdom, courage, and integrity that will enable us to glorify you. We pray in your wonderful name. Amen. The president pro tempore please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to our flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Mr. Grassley madam president. The presiding officer the senator from iowa. Mr. Grassley i ask permission, one minute in morning business. The presiding officer without objection. Mr. Grassley too often americans are cynical about our political system when all they see legislative gridlock. Yet, iowans were able to set themselves apart working together on Law Enforcement reforms in the wake of George Floyds murder. Every step of the way the iowa process was fueled with input fro
Soon. Good morning. Thank you for coming out this morning. Let me say thank you for the opportunity to have this conversation as i approach you about the importance of this issue, you were kind enough to give me the chance to move this forward and have a real conversation with america about the importance of Police Reform, accountability and transparency. Thats what the justice act focuses on and accountability and transparency, you were smart enough to put together a strong group of senators with passion about the issue with expertise in different aspects, this is a great team you put together. You have an opportunity to discuss the issue of Police Reform. Too often we have a discussion in this nation about supporting Law Enforcement community or communities of color. This is a small binary choice, answer to the question which size do you support. I support america. If you support america you support restoring the confidence communities of color have, you support america you know the
Alexander, thank you. Thank you for giving voice to a serious issue. First like to associate my remarks, 100 with everything senator scott just said. Somehow im supposed to speak after he just said it. The frustration that ive had over the past couple of days is weve worked very hard on pulling legislation together. Weve talked to people all over. Ive talked to people all over oklahoma of all backgrounds, talked to members of the community, talked to Law Enforcement, talked to leadership in Law Enforcement. Weve worked to be able to build a coalition of ideas, things that would pass. Answering the question that tim scott started with, could we pull together a piece of legislation that would actually help . Not to just pass something so we can walk away, pat each other on the back and say we passed something knowing quietly it isnt going to make a difference. Is there something we could do that would actually make a difference . And over the weeks we have worked to be able to identify w
Good morning. I call this hearing to order. Before i address the topic of todays hearing i want to say a few words about whats happening in communities across our country today. This is a time of great pain and unrestfor our nation. Americans are truly outraged by recent killings. Anyone who watched the video of the murder of george floyd has to be horrified and heartbroken. The resulting peaceful protests about police abuse against any american citizen are important and necessary our nation needs to listen to the voices of africanamericans about police brutality. Every american citizen deserves justice under the law. Some of the peacefulprotests have been hijacked by violent criminals. The destructing and looting and arson must stop. Those who commit these crimes dishonor the memory of george floyd and dishonor the cause for which the Peaceful Protesters first took to the streets. Now in a moment of americans to come together to listen and to heal. The goal of this hearing today is to
The president pro tempore the senate will come to order. The chaplain, dr. Black, will lead the senate in prayer. The chaplain let us pray. Our father, may your name be praised. Lord, use our senators today to permit justice to rule in our land. Remind them that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is an equal opportunity destroyer. As our lawmakers strive to do your will, reward their faithfulness,. Illuminate their hearts with your wisdom and love. Help them to remember that the entire ethical requirement is fulfilled by loving your neighbor as you love yourself. May this love for those in need hasten the day when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. Continue to be our strength and fortress, sustaining us with your amazing grace. We pray in your merciful name. Amen. The president pro tempore please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to our flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america, and to the republic for w