CONYERS: In The Wake Of Vegas Mass Shooting, Top Judiciary & National Resoures Dems Call On Speaker Ryan To Pull Gun Silencer Bill From House Floor

Washington, D.C. – Following the tragic shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada, that has taken the lives of 58 people and injured more than 500, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) sent a letter, below, to House Speaker Paul Ryan calling for him to remove H.R. 3668, the so-called “Sportsmen’s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act,” from the House calendar indefinitely.

The firearms-related provisions of H.R. 3668 would (1) weaken regulation of the interstate transportation of firearms; (2) make it easier for private citizens to obtain silencers by removing silencers from the protections in the National Firearms Act (NFA), which currently restricts the possession and sale of certain particularly dangerous firearms and accessories; and (3) remove the “sporting purposes” clause, which restricts the importation of firearms with certain features, and eliminate the ability of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to reclassify certain ammunition as “armor piercing ammunition.”

In their letter, the Members wrote, “…we ask that you immediately announce that this legislation will not be taken up by the House of Representatives.  It is not enough to simply hold a moment of silence, or place U.S. flags at half-staff; rather we believe that, in the wake of the horrific shootings last evening in Las Vegas, you must clearly state that the House will not seek to make matters worse by passing this legislation, which includes a number of provisions that would make us more vulnerable to mass shootings and subject our citizens and law enforcement personnel to an increased risk of gun violence.”

The Members continued, “…In active shooter situations, law enforcement must respond quickly to locate the shooter in order to prevent the carnage from continuing.  Silencing or muffling the sound of gun shots would make this more difficult, preventing quick response, such as the brave actions of law enforcement to quickly locate and take action against the shooter last night and those of the police officers that located and took down the man who shot and killed five officers in Dallas last year.  This situation illustrates the danger posed by the proliferation of silencers, particularly when the regulation of them is proposed to be weakened substantially – even allowing them to be sold with no checks whatsoever in some circumstances. ”

House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Conyers and Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) also sent a letter, below, to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte to renew their call for hearings on these issues.

Judiciary Letter to Ryan on Sportsmen’s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act Hr 3668 by Beverly Tran on Scribd

Second Letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte to renew their call for hearings on firea... by Beverly Tran on Scribd

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CONYERS’ Remarks at Press Conference To Condemn Senseless Violence & Call For Congress To Act

Conyers: Out of Respect for All Who Have Lost Their Lives – Both Law Enforcement and Civilian – We Must Dedicate Ourselves to Engaging the Difficult Issues

Washington, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) joined members of the Congressional Black Caucus at a press conference today to denounce the slayings of police officers in Dallas,  and the slayings of Alton Sterling in Louisiana and Philando Castile in Minnesota. Below are Congressman Conyers’ remarks as prepared for delivery: 

Dean of the U.S. House
of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

“I stand here today with a heavy heart. From Orlando, to Baton Rouge, to Falcon Heights and Dallas – our Nation is reeling from recent acts of violence. My heart goes out to the families of every single one of the victims this week, including the fallen officers in Dallas.

“Whether mass shootings, officers dying in the line of duty, killings on our streets, or lives lost at the hands of misguided police - there are too many such tragedies. Congress cannot continue to sit on the sidelines while blood flows in our streets. There are real issues of public safety impacting Americans that must be addressed at the federal level.

“I’ve said it before, and I will say it again: we need to adopt gun violence prevention legislation to expand background checks to all gun purchases, and we need to reinstate a ban on the sale of military-style assault weapons.   And at the same time, I also believe we need to take a comprehensive approach at addressing the issue of building and strengthening trust between local police and their communities.

“As the longest serving Member of Congress, I have dedicated a major portion of my career to policing issues and gun violence prevention, introducing legislation, chairing town hall discussions across the country, and meeting with the grieving families of fallen officers and citizens alike.  As part of the now controversial 1994 Crime Bill, I was able to pass the Federal Pattern and Practice Enforcement provision that allows the Department of Justice to investigate state and local police departments, most recently like Ferguson and Baltimore, for unconstitutional and discriminatory conduct.

“Last year, the Judiciary Committee held a hearing on 21^st Century Policing Strategies to begin addressing the issue at the Federal level.  Shortly before the hearing, I introduced the End Racial Profiling Act which works to eliminate racial profiling through changing the policies and procedures underlying the practice.

“Following the hearing, I introduced the Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act, which would provide incentives for local police organizations to voluntarily adopt performance-based standards to ensure that incidents of misconduct will be minimized through appropriate management, training and oversight protocols and that if such incidents do occur, that they will be properly investigated.  The bill also provides police officers -- the vast majority of whom are great people who are concerned about their communities -- with the tools necessary to work with their communities and to enhance their professional growth and education.

“Since that time, Chairman Goodlatte and I have been hard at work on negotiating a version the Law Enforcement Trust & Integrity Act to bring before the Committee.  However, like too many well intended efforts, we are stuck at the 1 yard line, trying to push toward a finish.

“We have been able to find agreement on major items, like accreditation standards, best practices, body cameras and even data collection.  The real challenge now is finding the support to bring the bill forward in the Committee.  We must find a way past objections to this most basic tenet: if you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it....

“Though there has been a consistent call for mandatory data collection by law enforcement agencies – with 28 states passing some form of data collection requirements and 17 others having proposed legislation – data collection remains a serious matter of controversy in the law enforcement community. 

“The tragic shooting deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile might have been avoided with better training, particularly in detentions and use of force, as addressed by accreditation standards and best practice provisions currently in negotiation before the Committee. 

           

“I will continue to work with Chairman Goodlatte to see this bill progress. I will also continue to work with my colleagues to push for passage of commonsense gun violence prevention bills that we know will make us safer.

           

“Out of respect for all who have lost their lives – both law enforcement and civilian – we must dedicate ourselves to engaging the difficult issues to make lasting change in our communities and heal as a Nation.”

Congressman Conyers introduced both the End Racial Profiling Act and the Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act to help build trust and strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

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MR. CONYERS: TO SPEAK TO THE URGENT NEED TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS OF GUN VIOLENCE IN THIS COUNTRY

 WE NEED TO CONSIDER NOT ONLY MASS SHOOTINGS, BUT THE DAILY TOLL OF GUN VIOLENCE THAT AFFLICTS ALL OF OUR COMMUNITIES. IN ONE YEAR ON AVERAGE, 108,000 AMERICANS ARE SHOT IN MURDERS, ASSAULTS, SUICIDE, AND SUICIDE ATTEMPTS, ACCIDENTS, AND POLICE ACTION. APPROXIMATELY 32,000 -- 32,500 OF THESE INDIVIDUALS DIE. NEARLY 12,000 ARE MURDERED. MORE THAN 31 AMERICANS EVERY DAY. WE KNOW WHAT WILL WORK TO REDUCE THAT. WE MUST ACT TO EXPAND BACKGROUND CHECKS TO CLOSE THE PRIVATE SALE LOOPHOLE AND MAKE SURE THOSE CHECKS PREVENT THE SALES OF GUNS TO TERRORISTS. WE SHOULD COME TOGETHER TO VOTE ON THE TWO BILLS AND REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE. I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME.

 Michigan Democratic Congressional Delegation along with community leaders of the Metropolitan Detroit Region at the Berkley Police Department, June 29, 2016 addressing an end to gun violence.

Moms Demand Action for gun sense in America were one of the groups speaking out in support.

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CONYERS SITS IN TO DEMAND ACTION ON GUN VIOLENCE

Washington, DC – House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) released the following statement on the sit-in on the House floor today to demand action on gun violence:

Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) is pictured on the House floor during the sit-in with Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL) and House Democrats.

“It is simply unacceptable for Congress to choose to do nothing in the face of gun violence, which takes a deadly toll on our streets and in our communities every day.  It appears that Republicans’ only response to gun violence is silence — but we won’t be silent. What we are doing on the House floor is a call to action.  We are challenging Republicans in the House to simply hold votes on common-sense bills that are supported overwhelmingly by our citizens. 

“I join my colleagues today for the sit-in because now is the time to face the challenges posed by gun violence by taking steps that we know will make us safer. I thank my good friend Congressman John Lewis for initiating this sit-in to demand that Congress act now.

“Our Republican colleagues can no longer ignore the plight of the American people and calls from Democratic members of Congress to do something. It’s past time that we act, and bring legislation to the floor that addresses serious problems within our system that allow guns to fall into the wrong hands.”

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CONYERS: We Must Never Forget The Nine Lives Lost In Charleston

"It’s been one year since the brutal murder of nine innocent African-Americans at the historically black Emmanuel AME Church in South Carolina. 

Today we remember them as we reflect on the tragic loss of life. 

I am reminded that while the killer was bound by evil hatred, the system failed us in that situation. 

We must strengthen our gun laws to close loopholes that allow guns to fall into the wrong hands.", said Conyers.

#EndHateCrimes #EndGunViolence

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CONYERS, COHEN & JOHNSON: GOP’S So-Called “Better Way” Is The Wrong Way For Americans

HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE DEMOCRATS RESPOND TO SPEAKER RYAN’S “TASK FORCE ON RESTORING CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY” REPORT

Washington, D.C. – House Judiciary Democrats want to address the real problems facing our Nation today by: 

• Preventing Gun Violence: Congress can longer stand idly by while our communities are ravaged by gun violence. Americans should feel safe whether attending school, their place of worship, in their movie theaters or out in their communities.

• Combating Hate Crimes: No American should live in fear of being a target of violence because of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or sex.  

• Strengthening Voting Rights: States across the Nation have implemented laws that disenfranchise voters and impede their ability to have their voices heard. Every American deserves equal access to the ballot box.

• Relieving Crushing Student Loan Debt: The class of 2015 graduated with the most student loan debt in U.S. history. Overwhelming student loan debt is preventing young Americans from purchasing homes, starting families, and contributing to our economy.

• Helping American Consumers: Companies should not be able to force Americans to forego their rights to seek legal redress in the courts.

However, House Judiciary Republicans have not held a single hearing on these issues this Congress. Instead, they would rather focus on protecting corporate interests and their own political agenda. Today, Speaker Ryan’s Task Force on Restoring Constitutional Authority issued a report as part of the so-called “Better Way” agenda.  House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice Ranking Member Steve Cohen (D-TN), and Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law Ranking Member Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-GA) released the following statements in response to the report:

Dean of the U.S. House
of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

“For the second time in two days, House Republicans have issued a report consisting mostly of recycled and long-discredited proposals clearly intended to undermine Federal agencies’ ability to protect public health and safety and to open the door to ideologically-motivated lawsuits against the Executive Branch, among other things,” said Congressman Conyers. “Congress delegated broad authority to agencies because they have the expertise to develop highly technical regulations that sometimes require years of study which Congress lacks the time and resources to do on its own.  This is why the Supreme Court has long recognized that the Constitution allows Congress to obtain the assistance of the other branches of government, including the Executive Branch, in implementing the laws that Congress passes.”

Congressman Conyers continued, “While there are areas where Congress has failed to assert itself sufficiently -- such as the President’s exercise of war powers -- this report does little to address those concerns.  Rather, this report simply recycles the same old pro-corporate, anti-consumer proposals that House Republicans have been pushing for decades, masked as constitutional issues.”

“Today’s report on the so-called “A Better Way: The Constitution” is mostly a re-hash of meritless proposals that, among other things, invite frivolous lawsuits by Congress against the President over routine policy debates and hamstring the ability of agencies to do the critical job of ensuring the health, safety, and rights of the American people that Congress tasked them with doing,” said Congressman Cohen.  “In hearing after hearing before the Judiciary Committee, House Republicans have sought to constitutionalize what are essentially policy and political disputes.  Really, this reflects the fact that they do not have the votes to achieve their policy ends through the political process.  And that is because most Americans like the kind of protections for the environment, civil rights, consumer products, and workplace safety that House Republicans have repeatedly tried to undermine.”

“Because dismantling our government’s ability to provide for the public interest is apparently not enough, Republicans now embark on a dangerous path to rig the courts and regulatory system against the public by abolishing longstanding Supreme Court precedent that is fundamental to our legal tradition and upholding the very rights established by both the Constitution and Congress,” Congressman Johnson stated. “These so-called “solutions” appear to come straight from the Koch brothers’ wish list. Yet another example of the corporate-welfare policies that Republicans so eagerly pursue, there is little doubt that the result of this crony-capitalist agenda would be a deep betrayal of our constitutional and statutory protections, practically guaranteeing a rigged system by which corporate misconduct could seldom be held accountable.”

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CONYERS & JOHNSON: Republicans' Anti-Regulatory Agenda Is Not Only A "Better Way" For Big Business, Not Working Americans

Dean of the U.S. House
of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

Washington, D.C. – Earlier today, House Speaker Paul Ryan’s Task Force on Reducing Regulatory Burdens introduced the anti-regulatory portion of their so-called “Better Way” agenda.  House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) and Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law Ranking Member Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-GA) today released the following statements in response to this report:

“Congress needs to focus on finding real solutions to real problems facing the Nation, such as gun violence, the erosion of voting rights, and growing economic inequality. But once again, House Republican leaders reveal they have no new ideas to help create jobs and improve the lives of ordinary hardworking Americans.  Instead they rebrand old, discredited anti-regulatory proposals designed to benefit big business,” said Congressman Conyers.  “Economic studies have shown that regulations help our economy, not burden it.  More importantly, regulations ensure better working conditions, a cleaner environment, and safer and more innovative products.

Congressman Conyers continued, “Americans want the benefits that regulation provides.  House Republican leadership should stop attacking federal regulatory agencies and admit that their decades-old, anti-regulatory agenda simply prioritizes corporate profits over people.”

“This report is more evidence that Republicans would rather govern by tired and unfounded rhetoric than through sound policy,” said Congressman Johnson. “Few, if any, of these anti-government reforms are new ideas. We have held more than 30 hearings on many of these dangerous proposals; each are designed to unduly constrain agencies from protecting the public interest by keeping our water, food, and air safe. At this point, the record is etched in stone: regulatory reform is a handout to the donor class designed to insulate reckless corporations from public accountability in any form.”

On the House Judiciary Committee alone, House Republicans have held 33 anti-regulation hearings since the start of the 112th Congress, but not a single hearing this Congress on:

o   Gun violence;

o   Voting rights;

o   The impact of overwhelming student loan debt on families and the economy;

o   The mortgage foreclosure crisis, which still is hampering the economic recovery of millions of American families;

o   or how we can better help struggling American families regain their financial stability.

Fact Sheet...Gop’s Anti-regulatory Agenda is Only a “Better Way” for Big Business, Not Working Americans

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House Judiciary Committee Democrats Urge For Congressional Action On Gun Violence

Dean of the U.S .House
of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

Washington, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) today led a letter signed by every democratic member of the House Judiciary Committee to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, urging for swift action on gun violence.

"On numerous occasions in the past, after assaults on our people by those who reject our values and seek to break our spirit, we have come together to console each other, hold the attackers accountable, and reduce our vulnerability to future attacks.  Make no mistake about it: our Nation is under attack.  We are under attack by the scourge of gun violence—on our streets and in our homes, on a daily basis.  All too often, these attacks take the form of a mass shooting.  Included in these attacks are hate crimes and incidents of domestic terrorism.  Congress needs to act.  Our Committee needs to act now." said Conyers.

U.S. House Judiciary Committee Democrats Letter To Urge For Congressional Action On Gun Violence 06.14.16

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CONYERS STATEMENT ON MASS SHOOTING IN ORLANDO

Detroit, MI – House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13) today released the following statement on the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida:

Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

“The shooting in Orlando early this morning, the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, is a terrible tragedy, made even more appalling by the possibility that it may have been a hate crime against the LGBT community during LGBT Pride month. I am thankful that law enforcement appears to have prevented another attack against the LGBT community in Los Angeles this morning. As we investigate the facts, treat the wounded, and console the victims and their families, we must not delay in taking action to strengthen our gun laws to close gaps and make us safer. 

“The daily, deadly toll of gun violence on our streets, in addition to the all-too regular occurrence of mass shootings, has long demanded that Congress not shrink from this critical task.  We know that closing loopholes regarding firearms background checks, while not the solution for every such instance, will help reduce gun violence. However, as we approach the one-year anniversary of the mass shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, we are reminded that the system failed us in that situation, yet we have not addressed that weakness in the law. We must take action on a comprehensive set of measures as soon as possible.”

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CONYERS Hails House Passage of Bill to Help Law Enforcement Agencies Purchase Bulletproof Vests

Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, during National Police Week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 125, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program Reauthorization Act of 2015, unanimously by voice vote.

Under S.125, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant (BVP) program will be authorized at $25 million per year through Fiscal Year 2020. The legislation would provide state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies with matching grants to cover 50 percent of the costs for new bullet-resistant vests. The legislation also requires law enforcement agencies to purchase protective body armor that meets safety standards; and fits female officers properly. The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program Reauthorization Act of 2015 passed the U.S. Senate in May 2015; and now heads to the President’s desk for signature.

House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13) spoke on the House floor in support of the legislation shortly before it passed the House. Below are Ranking Member Conyers’ remarks as prepared for delivery:

Dean of the U.S. House
of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

“Mr. Speaker I rise in strong support of S. 125, the “Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program Reauthorization Act of 2015.”  This bill – which would  provide matching grants to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies so that they can purchase bullet-resistant vests for their officers – is important for several reasons.  To begin with, S. 125 will facilitate the provision of critical protection to law enforcement officers, who often risk their lives while serving our communities.

           

“While some of the approximately 800,000 law enforcement officers throughout the United States do have some form of bullet-resistant armor, far too many of these brave men and women are not afforded the same protection due to state and local budget constraints.

“Since its inception, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program has assisted state and local law enforcement agencies in obtaining the necessary protective equipment to safeguard the lives of their officers.  To date, this Program has provided more than 1 million officers with life saving vests. 

“During the past 30 years, bullet-resistant vests have saved the lives of more than 3,000 law enforcement officers.  The timeliness of this bill provides a perfect opportunity to acknowledge National Police Week.  Right now, thousands of law enforcement officers are in Washington, D.C. to honor their fellow officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“Each year, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial holds a vigil to recognize the newly engraved names of officers who died while serving and protecting the people in our communities. 

“We must do everything in our power to protect those who protect us.  The Bulletproof Vest Program will help prevent the deaths of officers, and we hope that even fewer names will have to be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.  

“Second, the bill is critical because it provides up to 50% of the costs for an officer’s new armor vest.  The officer’s department, in turn, pays the remaining costs.  Importantly, smaller police departments that service areas with less than 100,000 residents receive priority funding under this measure. 

“Finally, S. 125 responds to the critical concern that bullet-resistant vests – to achieve their intended goal of protecting an officer from life threatening gunshots – must meet certain standards.  

           

“To this end, the bill requires a law enforcement agency to purchase body armor that meets strict performance standards set by the National Institute of Justice.  Additionally, the agency must have a policy that encourages officers to wear their vests while on duty.  And, the agency must ensure that these vests properly fit female officers. For all of these reasons, I strongly support S. 125 and I reserve the balance of my time.”

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Conyers and Jackson Lee Praise President Obama’s Executive Actions to Reduce Gun Violence and Make Our Communities Safer

WASHINGTON – The Administration has released a description of the Executive Actions President Obama will be taking to help reduce gun violence in America. Included in these initiatives are steps toexpand and improve the conduct of background checks for prospective firearms purchasers, provide more resources for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), strengthen investigation and prosecution of gun crimes, require the reporting of firearms lost or stolen in transit, increase funding for mental health treatment, and study the development and use of technology to increase firearms safety. 

Praising the President’s bold action to curb gun violence, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) and Crime Subcommittee Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), which has jurisdiction over firearms issues, released the following statement:

Dean of the U.S. House
of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

“We commend the President for announcing that he will use his executive power to implement significant new initiatives that will make our citizens safer from gun violence.  These actions are not only appropriate they are lawfully within the Administration’s executive authority.  While this Congress has refused to act on this issue, the facts and the law demand action.  On average, 31 people are murdered with guns every day in America and more than 32,000 people die from gun violence in this country every year.  We cannot simply continue to stand by and do nothing, and that is why the President’s actions are so critically important.  Now it is time for Congress to step up to the plate to do even more by passing sensible measures to reduce gun violence.” 

The House Committee on the Judiciary has jurisdiction over jurisdiction over protecting constitutional freedoms and civil liberties, oversight of the U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, legal and regulatory reform, innovation, competition and anti-trust laws, terrorism and crime, and immigration policy.

NOW IS THE TIME WH.GOV/NOW-IS-THE-TIME JANUARY SIXTEENTH TWO THOUSAND AND THIRTEEN GUN VIOLENCE REDUCTION E... by Beverly Tran

Click HERE for more information on President’s Obama’s executive actions to curb gun violence.

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Conyers Statement on Charleston, SC Church Shootings

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13) released the following statement in response to the tragic killing of nine innocent African-Americans at the historical Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina:

Dean of the U.S. House
of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

“The brutal killing of nine innocent African-Americans at the historically black Emmanuel AME Church in South Carolina, including pastor and State Senator Clementa Pinckney, is an unspeakable and horrific tragedy by any measure.  These individuals simply gathered to worship and study the Bible in a sanctuary and place of refuge as they did every week, but were senselessly killed.  My most heartfelt condolences go out to all of the families and friends of the victims as well as the entire community. 

“It is my hope that all levels of state, local and federal law enforcement work together to capture this brutal killer before any more senseless violence occurs.  I commend the Department of Justice for their swift determination to open a federal hate crimes investigation.”

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Letter From Rep Conyers to Gov Snyder on Issuing Gun Licenses to Individuals with Personal Protection Orders

Letter From Rep Conyers to Gov Snyder on Issuing Gun Licenses to Individuals with Personal Protection Order...

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REPS. CONYERS, SCOTT, AND COHEN DEMAND CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ON USE OF EXCESSIVE AND DEADLY FORCE BY POLICE

WASHINGTON – On August 15, 2014, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers Jr. (MI-13), Subcommittee on Crime Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Subcommittee on the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice Ranking Member Steve Cohen (TN-09) issued a letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (VA-06) requesting a Congressional hearing on recent incidents of local law enforcement using excessive force—sometimes deadly—and other violations where civil rights have been infringed upon.

In the letter, the Congressmen highlighted the troubling events that have transpired in Ferguson and those of similar nature that have occurred recently in New York City, Los Angeles, and Houston. The letter also expresses concern over the extensive militarization of local law enforcement.

REPS. CONYERS, SCOTT, AND COHEN DEMAND CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ON USE OF EXCESSIVE AND DEADLY FORCE BY POLICE...

The House Committee on the Judiciary has jurisdiction over protecting constitutional freedoms and civil liberties, oversight of the U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, legal and regulatory reform, innovation, competition and anti-trust laws, terrorism and crime, and immigration reform.

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REP. CONYERS STATEMENT ON TRAGIC EVENTS IN FERGUSON, MISSOURI

DETROIT – U.S. Congressman John Conyers Jr. (MI-13) released the following statement in response to ongoing events in Ferguson, Missouri:

“A few facts are clear: A young, unarmed man was shot by a police officer. A small town is under what is essentially martial law. Tear gas and rubber bullets are being used against everyday citizens. Serious and sweeping civil rights violations may have taken place in Ferguson, Missouri.  

The tragic killing of 18-year-old Michael Brown and the events that have transpired since the shooting in Ferguson are reminiscent of the violent altercations that took place during the Civil Rights Movement. Countless African Americans endured unwarranted hostility and excessive force from law enforcement while exercising their right to peaceful assembly and civil resistance.

It is a great travesty to find ourselves again witnessing the blatant violation of our right to peaceably assemble in Ferguson.  As documented by journalists and people on the ground in Ferguson over the last week, state and local law enforcement have grossly mismanaged any attempts to peaceably resolve the situation. Earlier this week, my colleagues and I issued a letter to the Department of Justice asking them to consider expanding the scope of federal involvement and to investigate the legal and civil rights ramifications of the shooting and surrounding circumstances. 

Removal of the St. Louis County Police Department from any involvement in the policing of Ferguson is an important step towards restoring peace and allowing for an independent, thorough investigation to take place. The people of Ferguson deserve nothing less.”

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U.S. Representatives Conyers, Fudge and Clay Letter to DOJ Inquiry Into Michael Brown Death, August 11, 201

U.S. Representatives Conyers, Fudge and Clay Letter to DOJ Inquiry Into Michael Brown Death, August 11, 201... by Beverly Tran

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Ranking Member Conyers Statement at FBI Oversight Hearing

(WASHINGTON) – Today, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee held a full committee hearing entitled, “Oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.” During his opening remarks, Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) delivered the following statement:

U.S. Representative
John Conyers, Jr.

“ Today, we welcome Director James Comey of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for his first appearance before the House Judiciary Committee since taking office on September 4, 2013. Director Comey, I do not always agree with the policies of the FBI—but I have great confidence in your commitment to fairness and to the rule of law. In 1996, as Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, you were appointed lead prosecutor in the Khobar Towers bombing case in Saudi Arabia. In 2002, as United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, you handled a wide range of complex, high profile cases while helping that district return to some measure of normalcy in the aftermath of the attacks of September 11th. And, in 2004, while serving as Deputy Attorney General of the United States, you refused certify the Bush Administration’s lawless dragnet surveillance program—and then confronted senior White House personnel at the hospital when the Administration sought to gain approval from Mr. Ashcroft directly. Time and time again, you have demonstrated your basic commitment to the rule of law, even in exigent and dramatic circumstances.

“That is why I am pleased that you are at the helm of the FBI on this, the first anniversary of our public discussion about the government’s domestic surveillance programs. Last month, the House passed H.R. 3361, the USA FREEDOM Act.  This legislation is designed to end domestic bulk collection across the board.  It applies to Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act, the FISA pen register authority, and the national security letter statutes. I am proud to have cast a vote in favor of the only measure to pass the House that rolls back any aspect of government surveillance since the passage of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act in 1978.

“But bulk collection is only one aspect of the problem with government surveillance. Over the past few years, our early difficulties with national security letters notwithstanding, the FBI has proven a responsible custodian of the new legal authorities granted to the bureau after September 11th.  For the most part, it uses the tools Congress has provided in the manner Congress intended for them to be used. But the FBI is an end user of massive amounts of data acquired under FISA and other authorities—without a warrant or individualized suspicion.  This raises serious privacy and civil liberties concerns. Director Comey, you are a standardbearer in the struggle to  reign in unlawful surveillance, and I hope that you will work with this Committee to help us restore a measure of public trust in this area.

“Although we have spent much of the last decade focused on counterterrorism, it is critically important that the bureau balance its national security function with its traditional law enforcement mission. In this vein, Director Comey, I would like to discuss with you the scourge of gun violence in this country.  Yesterday’s shooting at Reynolds High School in Troutdale, Oregon is at least the 74th school shooting since the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut in late 2012. The FBI maintains the National Instant Background Check System, and the bureau is often called upon to participate in the investigation of high profile shootings.  Because I believe that a more complete background check system would help to stem the tide of violence, I look forward to your views in this matter.

“Similarly, although we face many threats from overseas, the FBI plays a fundamental role in confronting extremist violence here at home. The bureau has called the so-called “sovereign citizen” movement a “growing domestic threat.”  According to the Anti-Defamation League, between 2009 and 2013, there were 43 violent incidents between law enforcement officials and anti-government extremists.  30 police officers have been shot.  14 have been killed. To these numbers, we must now add the two officers shot and killed this past Sunday in Las Vegas, Nevada.  These are not isolated incidents.  Director Comey, Congress has empowered the FBI with considerable authority—including federal hate crimes legislation—to root out this extremism.  I would like to hear more about how the bureau puts these laws and resources to use.

“I would also like to discuss with you the topic of overcriminalization.  The United States represents 5 percent of the world’s population, but incarcerates more than 25 percent of the world’s prisoners. The Bureau of Prisons is strained to the breaking point.  I would like to know why, then, the FBI often recommends federal prosecutions in cases that are already being prosecuted in state court, so that an offender faces trial on the same facts in two separate jurisdiction.

“The FBI plays a critical role in protecting our nation’s computer networks from cyber criminals.  We must do more to prevent the infiltration of our cyber systems from economic and financial criminals.  I would like to hear from Director Comey about the challenges presented by the international aspects of these crimes.

“Finally, I applaud Deputy Attorney General Cole’s recent announcement on the recording of federal custodial interviews—and your support of this new policy. This new presumption—that all FBI custodial interviews will be recorded—helps all sides of the case. Federal prosecutors will finally be able to share recorded confessions with the jury.  And suspects who feel that they have been treated unfairly will be able to fall back on the recorded evidence. There are a few exceptions to the official rule that give me pause, but I will reserve criticism until we see the new policy in action.

“I look forward to learning more about the FBI’s priorities today.  I thank Director Comey for joining us for his first oversight hearing before the House Judiciary Committee.  And I yield back.”

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