Senate Democrats block GOP police reform bill, throwing overhaul effort into flux

Washington (CNN) - A Republican policing reform measure collapsed in the Senate on Wednesday when Democrats lined up to block it after criticizing the legislation as an inadequate response to nationwide calls for action to address police misconduct and racial injustice.

The move by Democrats caps weeks of calls from both parties to move quickly on police reform amid protests and civil unrest across the country following high-profile episodes of police use of deadly force that sparked a national backlash. But efforts to find common ground have largely devolved into bitter, partisan finger-pointing, underscoring how a deep partisan divide may result in stalemate on the issue on Capitol Hill.

Senate Democrats denied Republicans the 60 votes needed on a procedural vote to begin debate on the bill, which was led by Tim Scott of South Carolina, the only Black Republican senator. The tally was 55-45. As a result, the vote failed, meaning that lawmakers will not be able to open debate, offer amendments, or move to a final vote on passage.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/24/politics/senate-police-reform-bill/index.html