U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Jon Ossoff have introduced legislation to extend the term of the Civil Rights Cold Case Review Board by four years. This board investigates unsolved criminal cases from the Civil Rights Era and is comprised of private citizens appointed by the President.
Senator Cruz emphasized the importance of providing justice to victims and their families, stating, “Civil Rights cold case victims and their families deserve justice. Giving the review board more time to investigate these unsolved cases is essential to delivering long-overdue accountability.” He encouraged his colleagues to swiftly pass the bill.
Senator Ossoff highlighted the need for sustained efforts in seeking justice, saying, “For too long, families of Civil Rights cold case victims have waited for answers and justice. Our bipartisan bill is an opportunity to pursue justice and truth on behalf of those who were killed.”
The proposed bill has companion legislation in the House of Representatives, introduced by Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Mike Lawler.
In 2019, Cruz and former Senator Doug Jones enacted a law requiring federal agencies to provide remaining cold case records to the board. Further support came in 2022 when Cruz and Ossoff passed the Civil Rights Cold Case Investigations Support Act, extending the board’s mandate.
