VIDEOS: Ellison Urges Attorney General to Pass 'End Racial Profiling Act'

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison testified before a Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday in hopes of rallying support for the End Racial Profiling Act, which he said would close a loophole in justice department's racial profiling guidance.

If passed, the act would ban law enforcement from profiling based on race, religion, ethnicity and national origin. Ellison mostly focused his speech on religious profiling, and most noteably profiling American Muslims.

“Up to 6 million Americans know what it’s like to be looked upon with suspicion in the post-9/11 America, perhaps even before,” he said. “Many know all too well what it means to be pulled off of an airline, pulled out of line, denied service, called names or even physically attacked."

Ellison not only believes racial profiling is discriminatory, but it's also a waste of resources.

"I am a great respector of law enforcement," he said. "But, I think it is very important to focus on the proper use of law enforcement resources. And not to give a opening for someone's stereotype or prejudice."

According to MinnPost, the impetus for the hearing was Trayvon Martin, the Florida teenager whose February shooting death and the subsequent investigation has attracted global attention.

Ellison also made appearances on The Ed Show and Fox 9 News. His full testimony can be seen above.

Ellison Announces Movement Against Citizens United

Ellison along with fellow legistlators and citizens gathered in a Capitol Visitor Center hearing room Wednesday, to show their support for a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.

Citizens United freed corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money in elections.

According to the Huffington Post, 20 resolutions calling to overturn Citizens United have been introduced in state legislatures, with measures passing in New Mexico and Hawaii. In addition, Ellison said thousands of elected officials have signed a declaration and nearly 200 cities and towns have passed similar resolutions.

"Folks we got a movement here," Ellison declared. "This is a great movement to be part of. ... I can't wait to sign my name on that declaration [of democracy]."

Ellison's speech can also be seen above.