On Thursday, June 25, 2020, the House of Representatives passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, cosponsored by U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). The bill will increase accountability, address racial discrimination, ensure structural reforms, and help save lives. 

Gottheimer spoke on the House floor today in support of the bill. 

Watch Gottheimer’s remarks on the House floor HERE. 

“This need for serious structural reform could not be clearer as our country mourns the murder of George Floyd, just one of the most recent instances of a long, painful history of violence and discrimination against African-American men and women in our country,” Congressman Josh Gottheimer said on the House floor today. “Right now, we are witnessing an outpouring of support from all communities, from all backgrounds, a collective movement working to end bigotry and hatred, to advance racial equality, fighting the scourge of racism that has held a grip on our country for far too long, and affirming, yes, that indeed Black lives matter.”

Gottheimer continued, “We should be inspired by the overwhelmingly peaceful demonstrations all across this country calling for justice — a freedom which is a cornerstone of our nation. To make real change, we must work together.”

Gottheimer praised Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass, Senator Cory Booker, and others for their work on this landmark legislation.

Gottheimer also recently cosponsored legislation to establish the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys — to study the societal forces that have disproportionately impacted black men and boys in America. Gottheimer also announced that he is an original cosponsor of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s (TX-18) resolution to fully commemorate and observe Juneteenth

Recently, on Juneteenth, Gottheimer joined NJ Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly at a rally in Ridgewood and spoke later that weekend at a rally in Mahwah. Gottheimer also recently spoke during a demonstration of unity with the Warren-Sussex County NAACP, Washington Township Police Department, and Washington Borough leadership, and took part in an event in Ridgewood to stand up against racial justice, along with New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, Ridgewood Mayor Ramon Hache, and other North Jersey leaders.

Gottheimer also hosted a conversation on racial justice live on Facebook with civil rights leader Dr. Mary Frances Berry, the Chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights through four Administrations.

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