Despite months of protests across the U.S. this summer, policing in America is coming under scrutiny once again after police in Kenosha, Wisconsin shot Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man, in front of his children.  Now Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D- N.Y. 9th District) is imploring the Senate to finally move on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives in June.

"We've yet to see any real meaningful action around that legislation," Clarke told Cheddar. "There can't be another generation of Black children raised in this climate and subjected to the inhumanity that unfortunately can lead to death in this nation."

While Blake survived being shot multiple times by an officer on Sunday, his family has reported that he is paralyzed from the waist down. 

When it comes to government action on policing in America, Clarke said states like New York have been responsive and are taking steps to provide transparency and accountability but action needs to be taken on the federal level.

"We need national policy. This is a problem from New York to Wisconsin. We're seeing, again, this bias that can be deadly within the policing infrastructure in our nation," Clarke continued. 

While Senator Kamala Harris already co-sponsored the act in the Senate, Clarke is hopeful that as the potential vice president, she will be able to do more. 

Clarke also championed Harris' nomination for the vice presidential role as a step in the right direction and an opportunity to "bridge that divide" of racial inequality in the U.S.

"It's reflective of the diversity of the party that we know today in terms of gender, in terms of background, race, ethnicity, and I think it's very refreshing," she said.

Share:
More In Politics
Who Are Russia's Oligarchs And Why Are They Being Sanctioned?
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the United States, along with much of the Western world, has imposed economic sanctions on Russia’s economy and its oligarchs. And these measures are costing these oligarchs — billions. So what exactly is an oligarch and what are their ties to Putin and the ongoing invasion? And will sanctioning them work?
Jackson Pushes Back on GOP Critics, Defends Record
Ketanji Brown Jackson is forcefully defending her record as a federal judge, telling senators she will rule “from a position of neutrality” if she is confirmed as the first Black woman on the high court.
Ukraine Shows Resilience Amid Russian Attacks
Ukraine remains defiant as the Russian invasion is approaching its fourth week. Cheddar News speaks with Former Obama Campaign Foreign Policy Advisor David Tafuri, on Russia’s war efforts so far and how it might shift tactics moving forward.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as 10 Million Ukrainians Displaced Amid Russian Invasion
As Russia continues to wage war in Ukraine, 10 million of its citizens have fled their homes according to the UN, with more and more refugees flooding into other European countries. Nancy Dent, senior global communications officer for Europe and Asia at the aid group International Rescue Committee, joined Cheddar News to discuss the deteriorating conditions. “What's really clear from my time at the border today, in particular, is that people really are fleeing for their lives now," she said. "Two million people, 60 percent of the refugee population from Ukraine is now in Poland, and people are arriving with smaller bags really unprepared."
Student Will Larkins Says New Florida Bill 'Is Made to Kill Queer Kids'
Will Larkins, president and co-founder of Winter Park High School's Queer Student Union and one of the organizers of its 'Say Gay Anyway' walkout, joined Cheddar News to discuss their recent opinion piece for The New York Times titled "Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Will Hurt Teens Like Me."
Ukraine Slows Russia's Military Progress As War Heads Toward Possible Stalemate
Russia's military advances in Ukraine appear to have stalled, as heavy casualties, equipment losses, and a lack of progress on the ground take a toll. Despite the horrific damage caused by the attack, Ukraine's military has held up better than many experts predicted. Elliot Ackerman, author and Marine Corps Veteran, joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss why Ukraine's defense response been such a surprise, and what a stalemate in the war might look like.
Load More