U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) led bipartisan legislation on Tuesday to reauthorize and update efforts to pursue civil rights crimes cold cases.
The Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act, S.2854, would improve coordination between federal, state and local agencies. It would also establish a joint public task force to coordinate investigations and enhance Department of Justice (DOJ) reporting requirements.
Burr introduced a Senate version of the bill. U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) introduced H.R.5067, a House version.
“There are many evils of our past that we cannot right, but we can make sure that the truth about these injustices does come to light,” Burr said. “I am honored to join Congressman Lewis to introduce this legislation to make it possible for the FBI and the Justice Department to continue their important work to investigate these cold cases and bring the perpetrators of racially-motivated crimes to justice. Uncovering and confronting the truth about these crimes is essential to ensuring that no one is above the law and that all Americans are worthy of the protection of our laws.”
The bill would eliminate a pre-1969 time limitation that was established under the original measure signed into law in 2008. It would also eliminate the original bill’s sunset provision, require the DOJ to review specific closed cases and maintain previous funding levels.
“The Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act sets out to investigate racially-motivated murders,” U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO), a cosponsor of the bill, said. “Sadly, there is still more work to be done and it’s important that we reauthorize this bill so that the FBI and DOJ can continue investigating unsolved crimes.”
A process would also be established by the bill to reopen, review and update the public on cases that were previously closed.