As thousands of Americans continue to march in the streets demanding justice and systemic change, a pressing question looms: Can federal reform keep pace with the public’s demand for police accountability?
Despite years of protests, bipartisan dialogue, and repeated calls for action following high-profile incidents of police violence, progress at the federal level remains stalled—trapped in a web of political division, legislative gridlock, and deep-rooted institutional resistance.
In the wake of the fatal police shooting of Malik Owens in St. Louis and a renewed wave of national protests, lawmakers are once again under pressure to act. But many Americans feel a growing sense of déjà vu.
After the murder of George Floyd in 2020, momentum seemed to build quickly around the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a comprehensive reform bill aimed at increasing transparency, banning chokeholds, and limiting qualified immunity protections for law enforcement officers. Though it passed the House of Representatives in 2021, it ultimately failed to pass the Senate.
Since then, public frustration has only grown. Polls consistently show that a majority of Americans—across party lines—support some level of police reform, including body camera requirements and independent investigations into use-of-force cases. Yet the federal government has failed to translate that consensus into action.
One of the biggest political roadblocks is the issue of qualified immunity, a legal doctrine that often shields officers from civil lawsuits, even in cases involving deadly or unconstitutional force.
While reform advocates argue that qualified immunity prevents accountability and emboldens misconduct, many lawmakers—particularly on the Republican side—see eliminating it as a nonstarter, fearing it would discourage officers from doing their jobs or lead to an increase in frivolous lawsuits.
There is also significant resistance from powerful police unions, which have lobbied against sweeping federal reforms, arguing that such measures unfairly target officers and ignore the complexities of policing. These organizations hold considerable influence over lawmakers at both the federal and state levels, further complicating reform efforts.
Additionally, partisan politics continues to hinder progress. In today’s polarized climate, even proposals with broad public support become political footballs. Some Republicans have accused Democrats of using police reform as a political weapon, while Democrats accuse their counterparts of stonewalling meaningful legislation in the name of protecting law enforcement status quo.
The result is a cycle of outrage and inaction. Tragedy strikes, protests erupt, hearings are held, and bills are introduced—only to quietly die in committee or stall in the Senate. Meanwhile, families of victims are left without justice, and communities continue to feel unheard and unprotected.
Despite the challenges, advocates remain hopeful. Some lawmakers are working on a renewed version of the Justice in Policing Act, with ongoing negotiations aimed at finding common ground.
President Biden has expressed support for police reform and signed an executive order in 2022 aimed at federal law enforcement agencies, but activists say legislative action is still essential for widespread, lasting change.
For now, the streets remain filled with voices demanding more than promises—they want progress. The question remains whether Washington is finally ready to meet that moment.
