VIDEO: We need real action on police reform

Dear Friend,

Over the last weeks, many New Mexicans and Americans have called on our leaders to take real action to address systemic racism and police violence. I agree wholeheartedly with them that we need to act. At the federal level, I am proud to support my colleagues, Senators Cory Booker and Kamala Harris, and cosponsor their Justice in Policing Act. This legislation, which the U.S. House of Representatives passed last week, includes many of the sweeping police reforms that Americans are demanding.

I hope you can take a moment to watch and share the speech I just delivered on the Senate Floor on why we must pass Justice in Policing Act.

VIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich delivers a speech on the Justice in Policing Act, July 1, 2020.

As a father raising two sons, my heart aches for the parents whose sons and daughters' names we now chant loudly in the streets. The very fact that painful experiences with law enforcement are ubiquitous among so many in our country should be evidence enough that our current model of policing is not working. It is unacceptable for any American to live in fear of violent encounters with those who are supposed to protect them.

We need real action to change the way we do law enforcement in this country, and that starts with passing the Justice in Policing Act.

Sincerely,