Congress is under new pressure to adopt policing reforms following Chauvin’s conviction on all counts for murder and manslaughter. A diverse jury needed only 10 and half hours to come to agreement. It has taken Congress a lot longer to decide how a federal law could help.
Chauvin’s conviction, heralded by Democrats and activists as a milestone in the quest for accountability and racial justice, immediately shifted attention from the courts to the 50-50 Senate, where initial police reform discussions following Floyd's death unraveled nearly a year ago (The Hill).
Democrats believe Tuesday’s jury verdict provides legislative momentum. Negotiators say they hope to agree on bill language in a matter of weeks.