Earlier this week I re-introduced the Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act for consideration during the 114th Congress. The continued use of aggressive military tactics by local law enforcement makes clear that Congress must act now to rein in the Defense Department's 1033 transfer program. I hope you will support this critical legislation by signing my Don't Militarize Main Street petition.
What is the Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act and why is it so important? I've outlined the basics below, but if you want to know more join me for a live discussion on Daily Kos today in the comments section of this blog. I'll be answering your questions about the bill and our broader strategy for reining in the epidemic of police violence.
The Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act works in three key ways:
- Preventing outright the transfer of some of the most aggressive military equipment, including rocket launchers and other explosive devices. We should all be able to agree: No local law enforcement agency needs a rocket launcher.
- Ending the program’s requirement that local forces use transferred equipment within a year of receiving it. As it is now, this requirement incentivizes unnecessary use.
- Requiring all recipients to account for the equipment they receive. Some local forces have been observed gifting or transferring their equipment to other agencies, even civilians. This should never happen, and the Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act expressly prohibits it.
- Public opinion is clear on this issue. A survey from libertarian-leaning Reason-Rupe polling found that 58 percent of Americans believe local police should not be given military weapons. Editorials from the New York Times, Newsweek, Mother Jones and countless other publications have called for ending police use of military equipment.
However, we still face some staunch opposition from many in the GOP. Their recent attempt to silence me and undercut this legislation didn’t work, but be sure that they will try again. Some of the most important work I've done in Congress has been in the service of ending police violence, and I will keep pushing the issue until my colleagues take action.
I need your help on this. We cannot afford to wait on this issue, or let the forces opposed to progress stand in our way. If you agree with me, please lend your name to our Don't Militarize Main Street petition.
Thank you,
Hank Johnson
P.S. You can also support my fight against police militarization by making a donation. Thank you!