Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on his vote to start debate on the Just and Unifying Solutions to Invigorate Communities Everywhere (JUSTICE) Act.

“This is a pivotal moment in the history of our country. I voted YES to start debate in the Senate on police reform legislation because I believe we can no longer turn a blind eye to racial injustice, while citizens across the country are demonstrating in the streets to demand solutions that move us forward.

It is a shame that Republicans and Democrats in the Senate cannot rise to meet this moment by working together to face these difficult issues head on. Despite the toxic partisanship of the Senate, I remain committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on a legislative path that increases police accountability and provides support and training to law enforcement officers so they are better able to serve their communities.

We must unite to discuss real reforms instead of fueling the partisan divisions that plague our legislative body. I will continue to work on advancing police reforms in the Senate and have also announced a series of listening sessions throughout 2020 to continue conversations around race and what can be done to heal these wounds and move forward.”