Rep. Cori Bush, a member of the progressive "Squad" group in the House of Representatives, has introduced legislation to commemorate Michael Brown, whose death at the hands of police sparked riots in 2014. The bill, known as the Helping Families Heal Act or the Mike Brown Bill, has drawn criticism from conservative commentators who question Brown's actions leading up to his death.
Rep. Cori Bush, a member of the progressive "Squad" group in the House of Representatives, has reignited a contentious debate with her recent introduction of legislation to commemorate Michael Brown, whose death at the hands of police sparked riots in 2014. The bill, known as the Helping Families Heal Act or the Mike Brown Bill, has drawn sharp criticism from conservative commentators who question Brown's actions leading up to his death.
Bush's proposed legislation aims to provide financial assistance to families who have lost loved ones to police violence. She has argued that the bill is necessary to address the systemic racism and police brutality that continue to plague American society.
"Mike Brown should be turning 28 today, but his life was taken by a Ferguson police officer," Bush wrote on Monday in a social media post. "In Mike’s honor and alongside his mother, Lezley McSpadden, I am reintroducing the Helping Families Heal Act, also known as the Mike Brown Bill. #HelpUsHeal."
However, the bill has faced immediate resistance from conservative commentators. Many have pointed out that Brown was actively resisting arrest and allegedly reaching for a police officer's gun when he was shot and killed.
"He shoplifted from a bodega and put the employee in a choke hold when he attempted to intervene," wrote Stephen L. Miller, contributing editor at The Spectator.
"Mike shouldn’t have been violent and shouldn’t have reached for a police officers gun while being violent," added commentator Chris Loesch. "You are grifting off his death which should be used as training on how not to act."
The criticism has not deterred Bush, who remains steadfast in her belief that Brown's death was a result of systemic racism. She has argued that the focus should be on addressing police misconduct rather than on Brown's alleged actions.
"We keep expecting the left to care about what is true, and they keep tossing it off the table. They only want what is useful," said commentator Chad Felix Greene.
"LIFE HACK: Don’t reach for an officer’s gun if you want to stay alive. Follow me for more great tips," wrote Chaya Raichik, founder of LibsOfTikTok.
Despite the controversy, Bush has maintained that the Helping Families Heal Act is a vital step towards creating a more just and equitable society. The bill is currently in its early stages of consideration and its fate remains uncertain.
