June 2021: Remembering George Floyd | Weekly Recap

Dear friend,

Last week, we marked one year since the murder of George Floyd in our district. While one of the officers responsible for his death has faced accountability, the systems of oppression that led to his murder remain in place. Let this be the moment we implement sweeping reforms to our criminal justice system.

In Congress, I have worked to change policing by helping pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in the House. We now must push the Senate to vote on this critical piece of legislation and keep the provision to end qualified immunity in the final bill. To see lasting justice, we need accountability. Last month, I also reintroduced a package of bills to address continued police brutality and misuse of force.

Now is the time to address centuries of brutality. Let’s seize it.

Fighting to Take Care of Our Servicemembers

I had the opportunity to tour the Minneapolis VA Medical Center with VA Secretary Denis McDonough, Governor Walz, Senator Klobuchar, and Senator Smith. I remain committed to strengthening the VA, ensuring our servicemembers do not have to fight in needless wars, and are taken care of when they return home. You can see more photos from my visit here.

Introducing the Neighbors Not Enemies Act

No one should be targeted based solely on their religion, ethnicity or national origin. I introduced the Neighbors Not Enemies Act to repeal an outdated law that allows the president to detain and deport immigrants based solely on their nationality. It was used to justify Japanese American internment, and the Muslim Ban by the Trump Administration. It’s way past time we put this hateful law in the dustbin of history where it belongs. You can read more here.

Calling for the Extension and Redesignation of TPS for Somali-Americans

Somali TPS holders — many of whom have lived in Minnesota for almost three decades — face the agonizing uncertainty of their futures, and the futures of their U.S. citizen children. I led a letter with my colleagues urging for the extension and redesignation of TPS for Somali nationals. You can read more here.

COVID Vaccination Event

In collaboration with Children’s Minnesota, YWCA Minneapolis and YWCA St. Paul are holding a FREE COVID-19 vaccination event for everyone ages 18 and older. They are offering the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine. You can view more information here.

In service,

Ilhan Omar

Member of Congress