Capitol Police have warned of possible militia plots targeting Congress today
- Voting rights act targets gerrymandering, funding and voter restrictions
- George Floyd Justice in Policing Act would ban chokeholds
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11.18am GMT
There was a brief period last night when the House Democrats could claim that their police justice bill had at least some bipartisan support, but not for long. Republican Rep Lance Gooden of Texas later tweeted to clarify that he had pressed the wrong button. “I have arguably the most conservative/America First voting record in Congress! Of course I wouldn’t support the radical left’s, anti-police act.”
I have arguably the most conservative/America First voting record in Congress!
Of course I wouldn’t support the radical left’s, Anti-Police Act.
I have changed the official record to reflect my opposition! pic.twitter.com/s7uCdlxvgO
11.07am GMT
Yesterday the US House of Representatives passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, the most ambitious police reform effort in decades. The legislation changes would ban chokeholds and “qualified immunity” for law enforcement and create national standards for policing in a bid to bolster accountability. California congresswoman Karen Bass, who authored the bill, cited the beating of Rodney King in 1991 and Floyd’s death as the catalyst for the ambitious reform while House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, said the bill was “legislation which will fundamentally transform the culture”.
I stood with House Democrats and members of @TheBlackCaucus following passage of the George Floyd #JusticeinPolicing Act. I hope this bill is enacted to help save lives and restore trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. pic.twitter.com/Cr3WVLYkai
10.59am GMT
Hi, and welcome to our live coverage of Thursday’s US politics. Here’s a run down of the main stories at the moment, and what is in the diary for today…