The NPR Politics Podcast Congress Probably Won't Agree On Police Reform
Jun 25, 2020
Lawmakers face a standoff on police reform, with differing views between House Democrats and Senate Republicans. The discussion dives into contentious issues like qualified immunity and the political leveraging of reform efforts leading up to elections. Personal stories from a Black Republican senator reveal the struggles of advocating for change in a divided environment. As public opinion shifts, tensions rise over what actionable reforms might look like, showcasing the complexity of bridging ideological gaps in Congress.
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Police Reform Stalemate
- House Democrats will likely pass a police reform package.
- Senate Republicans are unlikely to support it, given key differences on issues like qualified immunity.
Differing Approaches to Reform
- Democrats blocked a Republican police reform bill, citing insufficient starting points for amendments.
- They argue for federal standards with penalties, while Republicans prefer incentives for local and state police.
Federal vs. Local Control
- Democrats want mandatory police reform measures, setting a national baseline.
- Republicans prefer incentivizing departments to adopt best practices, leaving more control at the local level.