McCollum Statement on the Second Anniversary of George Floyd’s Death

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) released the following statement on the second anniversary of George Floyd's murder at the hands of Minneapolis police on May 25, 2020:

"Two years after George Floyd was brutally murdered by a Minneapolis Police officer, we remember his life and we continue to mourn for the loved ones and the community he left behind. The anniversary of his death is a reminder that the systemic racism and unacceptable disparities that persist in our society must be confronted in our criminal justice, education, economic, and health care systems, and everywhere.

"I applaud President Biden's executive order directing all federal agencies to revise their use-of-force policies and creating a national registry of officers fired for misconduct. In the U.S. House, we have twice passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to make reforms that would save lives. Yet, too little has changed because forces in this country are at work actively obstructing progress. It is frustrating and it is unacceptable. Those same forces inspired the January 6 insurrection; they inspire the online hate movement that plants the seeds of violence, white supremacy, and hate crimes like we witnessed in the Buffalo massacre. Republicans in Congress are obstructing at every turn. Republicans repeatedly oppose federal assistance to overcome racial disparities; to build back communities in need and invest in our children, families, and communities of color. They actively work to undermine voting rights and they have time and time again voted against legislation that would enact meaningful reforms and get assault weapons off our streets. It is clear Republicans not only refuse to fix what is broken, they are actively engaged in maintaining a system that enables discrimination, disparities, and at times, racist violence.

"Democrats are united – not in lip service, but in making concrete investments that are focused on healing and creating opportunity for BIPOC communities in Minnesota and across the United States. That includes investing to end disparities in health and education, creating economic opportunities, and delivering safe and affordable housing. We are investing in our children and our future.

"Too little has changed in our laws and policies to reflect Minnesotans' demand for justice. This fact must not deter us, but rather motivate us to keep up the fight for racial justice wherever we are – in Congress, in our communities, in our schools, and in our daily lives. The fight for justice, just like the fight for democracy, is not over with one criminal conviction, or the passage of one bill, or with one election cycle. It requires a lasting, sustained effort. As a Member of Congress and a member of my Minnesota community, I am committed to continuing this fight with all of you. Two years on, George Floyd's memory is alive today, and his memory needs to mobilize action for change in our community and in communities across America."

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