Democrats grapple with the party’s ‘defund the police’ past

Major Headlines: The House Takes Center Stage

After a narrow Senate approval yesterday, the focus now shifts to the House of Representatives. The Senate’s vote on the GOP’s tax reform and budget reduction package was razor-thin, with just enough votes to pass. The next step involves House members, who remain unsettled over the significant amendments made by the Senate compared to their original version from May. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) remains optimistic about overcoming these hurdles.

“This legislation embodies President Trump’s vision, and we are committed to turning it into law,” Johnson declared following the Senate’s approval. “House Republicans are prepared to complete this process and deliver the comprehensive bill to President Trump’s desk before Independence Day.”

As the bill advances, experts Marianna Sotomayor and Jacob Bogage provide insights into what to expect as it moves through the House. The initial House version required delicate negotiations to satisfy diverse factions within the party. The Senate’s modifications, however, have simplified some of those compromises, leaving limited time for further negotiations before the July 4 deadline.

Despite the tight schedule, some Republican leaders have expressed openness to negotiations. President Donald Trump indicated he wouldn’t oppose extending discussions. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who cast the decisive vote in the Senate, admitted her support was not without reservations.

“We operated under an artificially tight timeline, which rushed the process and compromised thorough deliberation,” Murkowski explained, citing concerns over Medicaid, food assistance, and energy policies-key issues for her state. “Do I support this bill? Not entirely. Many Americans across the country will not benefit from it, and I find that troubling,” she added in an interview with NBC’s Ryan Nobles.

In the Senate, votes from Senators Susan Collins (Maine), Thom Tillis (North Carolina), and Rand Paul (Kentucky) against the bill resulted in a tie, requiring Vice President JD Vance to cast the deciding vote.

The final Senate version incorporated several adjustments to address climate and Medicaid concerns, including removing a proposed tax on renewable energy sources and increasing funding for rural hospitals-measures aimed at appeasing skeptical members. Nonetheless, the bill’s passage could still face hurdles in the House, with many pathways for derailment as noted by Sotomayor and Bogage.

Democratic Party’s Reflection on Policing and Its Political Legacy

Representative Don Davis (D-North Carolina) was taken aback when he learned that Snow Hill’s town commissioners had narrowly voted to dissolve their police department, opting instead to rely on the county sheriff’s office for law enforcement. This decision hit close to home for Davis, who previously served as mayor and helped establish the town’s police force.

“My initial reaction was disbelief,” Davis recounted. “It’s personal because these are our neighbors and friends. We all share a common goal: ensuring community safety and determining the best approach to achieve it.”

Within days, the town’s governing body reversed its decision unanimously, reaffirming their commitment to local policing. This small incident exemplifies the ongoing efforts by many Democrats to defend and support local law enforcement, especially in rural communities.

Over the past five years, policing has become one of the most politically charged issues for Democrats. The “defund the police” slogan gained momentum following high-profile incidents involving police shootings of Black individuals, fueling Republican attacks and complicating Democratic messaging. Some Democrats, like Davis, have actively worked to counteract negative perceptions, emphasizing their support for community safety.

“The Democratic Party is a broad coalition,” Davis explained. “Within it, there are diverse views-some support reallocating police funds, while others prioritize strengthening law enforcement. It’s a complex landscape.”

After George Floyd’s murder in 2020, the phrase “defund the police” became a cultural flashpoint, with some Democrats advocating for police budget reductions as a means of reform. Republicans capitalized on this narrative, using it to challenge Democratic candidates in subsequent elections.

However, some party leaders who opposed the movement during the 2020 primaries, including Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, believe that distancing from the slogan helped Democrats improve their electoral prospects. Former Senator Doug Jones (D-Alabama) noted that crime rates have declined during President Biden’s tenure, and the party now highlights its record on public safety and social justice issues.

“Repetition is key,” Jones emphasized. “We need to consistently communicate our achievements and values, countering the misinformation spread by opponents.”

Key Campaign Developments and Political Dynamics

While Senator Murkowski’s pivotal vote was crucial for Senate passage, the spotlight now turns to Senator Susan Collins of Maine, one of the three Republicans who opposed the bill. Collins, representing a predominantly Democratic-leaning state, is a rare Republican in a blue state-last winning in 2020 despite Biden’s victory there.

She has yet to confirm her 2026 reelection plans, fueling speculation about whether she will seek a sixth term. Historically, Collins has been a resilient politician, winning comfortably against Democratic opponents, but her current approval ratings are troubling-only 12% according to a recent University of New Hampshire poll, with 71% of residents indicating she should not be reelected.

Political analysts suggest that Collins faces a challenging reelection environment, with mounting pressure from both sides. Democratic strategists criticize her for votes on Supreme Court appointments and healthcare policies that have alienated many constituents. Maeve Coyle, spokesperson for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, pointed out that her record of supporting controversial policies has made her vulnerable.

Despite the lack of official campaign announcements, the 2026 race in Maine is shaping up to be highly competitive, with Collins’s political future hanging in the balance.

Legislative Lobbying and Public Engagement

According to Mariana Alfaro, advocacy groups have reported a surge in constituent outreach as lawmakers debate significant legislation. The organization 5 Calls, which facilitates direct communication between citizens and their representatives, recorded over 50,000 calls to Congress in a single day-double their usual volume. Since the bill’s introduction, total calls have surpassed half a million.

Similarly, Winning Connections, a platform that uses calls and texts to mobilize voters, noted heightened concern over Medicaid provisions, especially among rural communities. “The level of engagement is unprecedented,” said founder John Jameson. “Many residents are realizing how these policies could impact their healthcare access and are eager to voice their opinions.”

Omar Noureldin of Common Cause highlighted a 65% increase in individuals using their contact tools over the past month, driven largely by debates over the budget bill. This heightened activity underscores the public’s desire to influence legislative outcomes on critical issues like healthcare and economic policy.

Patriotic Pride and National Reflection

Amid declining national pride, as recent polls suggest, we asked our readers to share moments when they felt most proud to be American. Responses ranged from expressions of disillusionment to enduring patriotism rooted in shared values and community service.

One reader, Eric Parrish, reflected, “It’s hard to maintain pride when the country seems to be reversing its progress. I’d like to see what the future holds in a few years.”

Kirsten Smith, from Scandinavia, expressed concern about America’s global reputation: “My family no longer visits, questioning how I can live in a country that appears to be unraveling.”

Reverend Gary Cook offered a nuanced perspective, citing moments of pride in American humanitarian efforts abroad and legislative strides toward moral and spiritual integrity. “Despite our flaws, I still find reasons to be proud,” he said. “But that pride feels increasingly fragile.”

Local Stories and Community Highlights

• LAist (Los Angeles): A debate is brewing in Big Bear, California, over whether to cancel the traditional fireworks display to protect the local bald eagle population, which is sensitive to loud noises.
• The Advocate (Baton Rouge): The passing of Jimmy Swaggart, a controversial Louisiana preacher, marks the end of an era. Once a prominent religious figure, his career was marred by scandal, yet he remained influential in certain circles.
• The Colorado Sun (Denver): Political contenders are lining up to challenge Senator John Hickenlooper in 2026, but the search for a viable candidate remains difficult for Republicans.
• Outlier Media (Detroit): Innovative investors are entering the rental market using cryptocurrency tokens, transforming how property transactions are conducted in the digital age.

Share Your Reflections

Following our recent poll on national pride, we invite you to share your most memorable moments of patriotism. When did you feel most proud to be an American? What experiences or events inspired that feeling? Send your stories to [email protected] or contact us at [email protected] and [email protected].

Thank you for engaging with us. Stay connected with Dan and Matthew on X: @merica and @matthewic.