But when the news of Mr. Floyd’s death prompted protests across the country and trained the nation’s focus on policing, there was no question that Ms. Bass would lead the way for Democrats. She also toiled to persuade prominent civil rights groups, who wanted a bill that would be tough on the police, to accept the package. Later, they insisted that no new funds be sent to departments, according to senior aides who helped draft the bill, a condition that Democrats embraced. Ms. Bass worked the phones until they agreed to do so at the 11th hour. She insisted that the bill also include programs and proposals to incentivize departments to get better.

Source: New York Times June 10, 2020 23:22 UTC