By: Tadi Abedje – (original news source: bnc.tv) – The White House is monitoring the situation in Congress and is optimistic that legislation can be passed.
The legislative pieces that would address the issues of systemic racism and inequalities are the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the For The People Act. The Floyd Act addresses policing issues and reforming police departments all around the country. The Lewis and For The People Acts would combat voter suppression and preserve voting rights.
Psaki, Biden’s White House Press Secretary, spoke at her daily press briefing regarding the bills. She added that Biden supports making The Civil Rights Bill of 1866, which is the oldest federal civil rights law, stronger.
“One of the President’s key priorities is racial equity and updating and addressing what he feels are systemic issues in how we govern and in society. He will remain engaged closely with Civil Rights leaders as well with leaders in Congress,” said Psaki. “His role as the President is to continue to use his voice, the bully pulpit and his platform for moving these things forward.”
Hakeem Jefferies, who is the Chair of the House Democrats, also believes it is important to get this legislation passed.
“It is an important step in dealing with some of the adverse Supreme Court decisions that have undermined the ability of people whose civil rights has been violated from actually vindicating those rights under the law,” Jefferies said to April Ryan on theGrio.
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One of the congressmen leading the effort in the House is Mondaire Jones of New York. He introduced legislation to make sure that Black people and people of color aren’t prejudiced against.
“We don’t want people to be racially profiled in shopping centers. We don’t want people to be denied the ability to engage in other forms of economic activity,” said Jones on theGrio.
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