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Bipartisanship is something that Congress has struggled with since the Biden administration came into power. As a matter of fact, Democrats have made a point of working with President Biden on passing bills without a single GOP vote; it's what Democrats did with the American Rescue Plan and it's what they're looking to do with other bills. In fact, Sen. Joe Manchin is one of the only Democrat congressmembers to come out against ending the Senate filibuster. Other left-wing lawmakers would be more than thrilled to see the filibuster meet its demise. However, on police reform, the possibility for Republicans and Democrats to come together appears likely.

Bipartisan legislation for police reform in America

On Sunday morning, Democrat Rep. Karen Bass spoke with CNN regarding legislation for police reform in the United States. Bass explained that she is working with other lawmakers, both Republicans and Democrats, to get a bill passed on police reform. One of the lawmakers also leading this charge is Sen. Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina. At a time when Republicans and Democrats remain deeply divided, Rep. Bass' remarks suggest a potential change on the horizon, at least regarding police reform. The Democrat representative stated that GOP senators are working together with the left "in good faith" to reach an agreement on a police reform bill. Passing legislation in the House will be easy; however, the Senate is an entirely different ballgame. During Bass' interview with CNN, she acknowledged this reality. The Democrat lawmaker explained that congressmembers working on police reform are aiming for supermajority support in the Senate. A Senate supermajority is comprised of 60 votes, rather than the standard majority that just includes 51 votes. Due to the even split in the Senate, a supermajority vote will require at least ten GOP senators to get on board with police reform.

The odds of a bipartisan bill on police reform

Democrat Rep. Rashida Tlaib stated last week that she believes policing in America is beyond reformation and should no longer exist. Several Democrats, including President Biden, have since put distance between themselves and this rhetoric. According to the White House, Biden would be more than pleased to sign a police reform bill into law. Therefore, bipartisan police reform legislation passed by Congress has a strong chance of getting the necessary presidential signature.