Joyce Statement on the JUSTICE Act

Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) released the below statement on the JUSTICE Act. He is an original co-sponsor of this legislation, which will offer real solutions to increase transparency, accountability, and performance so our nation's law enforcement officers are better prepared to protect and care for the communities that they serve. The JUSTICE Act was introduced by Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-8) in the House of Representatives and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) in the Senate.

"Equal justice under law is a cornerstone of our American democracy. I have immense respect and gratitude for police officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect us and to maintain law and order. With my fellow Americans, I lament that a few bad actors have abused their authority. Today it is my honor to join Senator Tim Scott as well as retired police officer and current Congressman Pete Stauber to introduce commonsense legislation that will improve transparency, accountability, and training. Rather than defund or dismantle the police, the JUSTICE Act will enact bipartisan reforms to better equip these brave Americans to serve our communities. We cannot turn our backs on our police officers, and I urge Speaker Pelosi and all members of Congress to support this commonsense legislation."

Building on President Trump's executive order, the JUSTICE Act will further equip law enforcement officers to protect American communities. This legislation will:

• Improve law enforcement transparency;
• 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 in situations where deadly force is authorized;
• Improve officer training by directing the Attorney General to develop training curricula related to the duty to intervene and de-escalation and appropriates funds to pay for costs associated with new training requirements; and,
• Enact the Justice for Victims of Lynching Act, making lynching a federal crime.

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