Cole Cosponsors JUSTICE Act in the House

Moore, OK – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the Just and Unifying Solutions to Invigorate Communities Everywhere (JUSTICE) Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives this week. Authored by Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), the JUSTICE Act outlines reforms for better police training, accountability and transparency. Cole is a cosponsor of the legislation.

"Before assuming their positions, law enforcement officers take an oath to honorably serve and protect their fellow citizens. The overwhelming majority of police officers faithfully and bravely discharge their responsibilities, and no one resents a bad police officer more than a good police officer. Unfortunately, there are a handful of officers who abuse their positions. We clearly saw such a case in the horrific death of George Floyd. Sadly, there have been other examples as well.

"Clearly, there is an important national dialogue on the issue of police reform underway. The noble aim of that discussion is to produce a police reform package that will enhance the professionalism and transparency of community policing while increasing the confidence and security of every citizen, particularly those living in communities of color.

"I am proud to join my distinguished colleagues and good friends Senator Tim Scott and Congressman Pete Stauber as a co-sponsor of the JUSTICE Act, legislation they crafted together. Tim Scott is a respected advocate of civil rights and minority empowerment, and I was proud to serve with him when he was in the House. Pete Stauber is a career police officer with genuine insight into the criminal justice system and the importance of well-defined and regulated community policing methods.

"I recognize that others have and will produce worthy proposals for consideration. At the end of the day, I hope we can find a bipartisan compromise that can pass both chambers of Congress and be signed into law by the president. Even in divided government, the country deserves and expects us to work together to produce police reform legislation that enhances the security and protects the rights of every American."

More information about the JUSTICE Act, including legislative text, is available here.