Unprecedented physical, financial, and social turbulenc turbulence. From the pandemic to the economic challenges that came on its heels to the widespread protest against racial injustice. The needs of our country bushould have transcended politics. But unfortunately, that does not seen the caseu today. You know, we have been on a pretty good run. Republicans and democrats had put aside our differences to have bold and transformative legislation to support the nations fighting and discovered 19 as well aslo ease the ensuing financial fallout. And i had hoped that trend would continue as we Work Together to address the injustices that still persist in our society. Beginning with Police Reforms. As we all know by now, thanks to our friend, senator tim scott and others who worked rewith him, we introduce the just ticked act of real and lasting reform so can begin to restore the broken trust between minority communities and our Law Enforcement agencies. Thisth package of bills address some of the most pressing changes that americans have been calling for in the chokehold, better training, or police officersnd accountability for body cameras and more do diverse Police Forces the list goes on and on. We know it was not the only bill that has been introduced in the senate. Our democratic Colleagues Introduce a bill of their own that addressed many of the same issues. And while there are some important differences between the two, what to me is more important is that there was a lot in common, a lot of overlap between the two bills. That should have, innate normal time time when people were logical and reasonable, that should put us on a strong footing for the ultimate product u thats with the colleagues asked us to do. The democratic leader came to the floor and urge the majority leader to have Police Reform bill before july the fourth. When senator mcconnell did exactlyat that, what did they d . As soon as they were told they would actually have a chance to vote on Police Reform bill they change their tune. 180 degrees change. That kind of reminds me a little bit of the debacle on the green new bill. After this resolution number of Senate Democrats rush to endorset it. They were praising what happene happened. Others who voted for, not one. What kind of games are they playing here . They a even accused the majority leader scheduled a vote on a bill he believed he was sponsor for. He called it sabotage. While history seems to be repeating itself, but not in a good way. Our friends across the aisle have been asking for the debate and vote on a Police Reform bill this morning had that opportunity. Once again they pulled a 180. Let me be clear on what we are voting on this morning. This was not a vote to finally pass the justice act as is without any changes or amendments, this is simply a vote to begin debating the bill. You cant finish a bill, you cant actually vote on legislation if you are on willing to start. Thats exactly what happens morning. While knowing republicans and democrats did have some differences even though theres a lot in common, leader mcconnell provided the opportunity to have that debate right here on the senate floor. We couldve had that debate in front of the american people. I think it might have helped. Number one et cetera scott likes to say to send the signal we actually are listening. We hear you, we see you. We are responding to you. Snow backroom negotiations like apparently what are democratic colleagues want. Rather an open honest debate right here in full view of the american people. But our democratic colleagues refused to let us participate in thee process and have blocked us from even considering Police Reform legislation. This in my way or the highway at legislative strategy with come to expect from our colleagues is absolutely shameful. And it isng counterproductive. I remember talking to rodney floyd, George Floyds brother, shortly before his funeral. He told me, he said senator were from texas and what we want for george is texas sized justice. And i said, rodney, i am going to do my very best to deliver. But unfortunately, even though there were many of our democratic colleagues who decried the cruel and tragic death of george floyd, when it came time to step up and do something about it, they absolutely refused. Let me just go over quickly with the bill would have done as proposed subject to amendments and votes. There been multiple opportunities to stop the bill if it was not heading in the direction they liked. Of all this wouldve made lynching a federal crime. Hyou know, that provision in the bill was actually authored by senators harris and booker. But believe it or not, they filibustered and blocked to their own bill. The justice act wouldve been the chokehold that prevented this danger is an outdated tactic from being used in Police Departments across the country. But what did her democratic colleagues do . Will they blocked it. This legislation would have helped local Police Departments improvets minority hiring to that the departments would look more like the communities they serve. Our democratic colleagues block that too. This bill would have strengthened the use and accountability for body cameras, improved access to deescalation and intervene training and establish two commissions to give a subeditor understanding of the challenges that need to be addressed in the long run. What did her democratic colleagues do . They blocked each and every one of these things. concern was expressed to when the time comes to do something they come to this emptyhanded. While for weeks we watched people of all races and cultures and backgrounds, marching and demanding more from action. They want to see Greater Transparency and accountability. They want better training and education for our police officers. And they want to know that the end of d the day the color of yr skin wont determine the nature and outcome of an interaction with the police officer. I agree with each of those points and until this morning i believed every member of the senate did as well. But the actions we have seen this morning blocking this legislation stopping this from debating the bill offering amendments, trying to make it better, i guess i was giving her colleagues credit since they clearly do not deserve. The problems that led to the death of george floyd, Breonna Taylor and other black americans have not gone away but our democratic colleagues have proven their more interested in politics than solution let the record reflect that this morning the senate had the opportunity to take the first step for passing reform that would begin to heal the division and distrust between Law Enforcement in the communities they serve. In our democratic colleagues unequivocally and shamelessly stood in the way. Madam president , i yield the floor. The senate is out of session earlier today members come from the nomination of mississippi cory wilson to be a u. S. Court of appeals judge for the fifth circuit. Senators then held a vote to begin debate on Police Reform legislation introduced by South Carolina republican senator tim scott. But the chamber failed to get the needed 60 votes to officially start debate. Members now turn to the National Defense authorization bill which provides defense programs and policies for 2021. Follow the senate live on cspan2 when members gobble back in. Coming up tonight on cspan2 the Georgetown Law Center hosted a discussion on Police Reform following the George Floyds death and police custody. At 9 00 p. M. The Senate IntelligenceCommittee Hears from peter thompson, the nominee to the Inspector General for the cia. Later senators debate the Police Reform bill offered by Senate Republicans led by South Carolina senator tim scott. Next to conversation with Police Reform hosted by Georgetown University preparticipants talk about what abolishingic