WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator John Thune calls defunding police departments an “outlandish idea.”
In a speech on the U.S. Senate floor, Thune addresses the growing movement to deeply cut police funding or completely abolish police departments.
“The idea that any city can exist without a police force is so absurd that it is difficult to believe that anyone is seriously discussing it.”
Senator Thune says he is willing to talk about possible police reforms.
“We absolutely need to look at policies at the state, local and federal level to insure that we are holding police officers to the highest standards.”
Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina has been picked by Republican leaders to put together a package of policing reforms. House Democrats are pushing their own version.
Lawmakers have been scrambling to keep up with public demands on the emotional issue ever since the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis.
TenHaken on twitter:
“Political Puffery.”
Thats what Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken calls the movement to defund the police.
TenHaken in a series of tweets says he is willing to discuss possible police reforms, but that defunding will not be part of the conversation.
