Lawmakers bicker after Swalwell calls on Republicans to say ‘Black lives matter’

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Rep. Eric Swalwell challenges Republicans to say black lives matter

California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell speaks at the House Judiciary Committee meeting on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

A House Judiciary Committee markup session dealing with Democrats' Justice in Policing Act reform bill erupted into bickering when Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., called on his colleagues on the other side of the aisle to say, “Black lives matter.”

Swalwell had just been discussing how in the past he did not see the necessity of the phrase because he believed that all lives matter, but that discussions with black friends led him to have a greater appreciation for their experiences. The phrase, and the organization bearing the same name, have gained renewed attention in the wake of George Floyd's death in police custody -- which spurred the police reform legislation being considered Wednesday.

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“And so I would yield to any of my colleagues on the Republican side who can unequivocally say – as we calibrate where we are right now – that black lives matter,” Swalwell said.

This prompted Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., to speak up.

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. Does the gentleman believe that all lives matter as well?” Gaetz asked. “I think black lives matter, I think all lives matter.”

Swalwell interjected, again asking if any Republicans could unequivocally say, “Black lives matter.”

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“Unequivocally all lives matter,” Gaetz responded. “Why is that a problem to acknowledge?”

Swalwell then accused Republicans of using a straw man argument to ignore “the uncomfortable conversation that we need to have about race.”

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Rep. Louis Gohmert, R-Texas, sought to put the issue to rest.

“I can say unequivocally black lives do matter. Unequivocally, black lives matter. Every life is precious, God-given, and black lives matter. Unequivocally. Every life’s important.”

“Thank you,” Swalwell said.