Democrats clash over police funding in heated Senate floor debate

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., argued with fellow Democrats as senators sought to pass a legislative package that had broad bipartisan support.

The Senate floor devolved into a rare, intense clash between Democrats on Tuesday afternoon when Sen. Cory Booker objected to unanimously passing a bipartisan package of police funding bills.

The unexpectedly heated debate concerned seven measures, previously approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee, designed to beef up resources and safety for first responders and law enforcement officers.

“What I am tired of is when the president of the United States of America violates the Constitution, trashes our norms and traditions, and what does the Democratic Party do? Comply? Allow him? Beg for scraps? No, I demand justice,” Booker, D-N.J., said on the Senate floor.

"It’s time for Democrats have a backbone. It’s time for us to fight. It’s time for us to draw lines," he added.

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