WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has unanimously approved bipartisan legislation that would make lynching a federal crime.
The effort was led by two Democratic senators who are potential presidential contenders in 2020, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kamala Harris of California.
FILE – In this Dec. 14, 2018, file photo the Capitol is seen in Washington. Legislation to ease federal sentencing laws is pitting conservatives against each other as President Donald Trump looks to score a major legislative win before the end of the year. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
Joining them as lead sponsors of the anti-lynching bill was the Senate’s third African-American member, Republican Tim Scott of South Carolina.
Efforts to pass legislation making lynching a federal crime have failed repeatedly in the past. The sponsors of the bill say there had been nearly 200 attempts in Congress.
It’s unclear whether the House will act on the anti-lynching measure this week before the Christmas holiday, and send it to President Donald Trump.
