GOP senators introduce resolution opposing calls to defund the police

Republican senators introduced a resolution on Tuesday to formally oppose calls to "defund the police," an idea that has gained traction with some activist groups.

If passed, the nonbinding resolution, spearheaded by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), would put the Senate on record opposing efforts to defund the police while also calling for "justice" for George Floyd, an unarmed black man killed in police custody last month.

Cotton will try to pass the resolution on Wednesday by unanimous consent, according to his office, which will allow any one senator to object and block it under the chamber's rules.

In addition to Cotton, GOP Sens. Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.), Roy Blunt (Mo.), Kevin Cramer (N.D.), Ted Cruz (Texas), Joni Ernst (Iowa), Josh Hawley (Mo.), Martha McSally (Ariz.), Pat Toomey (Pa.) and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) are supporting the resolution.

The resolution calls Floyd's death by a Minneapolis police officer a "horrific act that violated the public trust and was inconsistent with the values and conduct expected of law enforcement officers" and that "good law enforcement cannot exist without accountability and justice."