BIPARTISAN PROBLEM SOLVERS CAUCUS STATEMENT ON RACIAL JUSTICE IN AMERICA

WASHINGTON- Today, the Co-Chairs of the Problem Solvers Caucus released this statement:

"The Members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus – comprised of 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans – stand united as Americans in condemning the unjust and brutal killing of George Floyd while in the custody of law enforcement officers. These officers were sworn to protect and serve their community, but these officers betrayed their oath and rightfully should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We are united in our call for justice to be done.

"We stand firmly with the American people's constitutional rights to peacefully protest and support their efforts to address injustices and racism, in all its forms, that continue today. We condemn anyone who hijacks peaceful protests or otherwise chooses to riot, loot, and engage in unnecessary violence.

"We are united in recognizing the vast majority of law enforcement officials nationwide are brave men and women who carry out their duties with discipline and honor. We are grateful for their courage, and for the daily sacrifices they make to keep our communities safe. We believe these same men and women are ready and willing to assist in improving law enforcement department operations to uphold theirnoble mission to honorably serve and protect each of us every day.

"As events unfold, we encourage Americans to stay safe and treat each other with respect. Most emphatically, America is a nation governed by laws, and those laws must always protect every American from abuses and injustice. We further assert that any injustice and any form of racism in America must be confronted peacefully and resolved, legislatively and culturally, once and for all. We stand united with any and all people committed to this endeavor."

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The Problem Solvers Caucus is a bipartisan group in Congress comprising 50 members – equally divided between Democrats and Republicans – who are committed to forging bipartisan cooperation on key issues. It is co-chaired by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY).