S.Amdt.2252 to S.4049 - National Defense Authorization Act
STATUS
Senate: Amendment proposed July 21, 2020. Was not agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote 51 - 49.
Analysis
S.Amdt.2252 would strengthen oversight, transparency, and accountability of DoD’s 1033 surplus military equipment transfer program, while continuing to ensure that state and local law enforcement agencies can acquire appropriate equipment necessary for public safety.
Builds on Executive Order 13688, prohibiting the transfer of specific military-grade weapons that have no business with law enforcement agencies (bayonets, grenade launchers, tracked combat vehicles), and adding a few others (e.g. .50 caliber firearms, armor piercing ammunition, and weaponized drones).
Also prohibits use of equipment against protestors. Mandates law enforcement agencies who use equipment against protestors to return equipment and renders them ineligible to participate in the 1033 program for 5 years. In addition, the amendment pauses the transfer of equipment to law enforcement agencies that are under active investigations for widespread civil rights abuses and requires that property be returned if there is a finding of responsibility for widespread abuses.
Which human? Whose security?
Would protect all Americans, since all are policed by departments who would have access to military equipment.
“As more Americans learn about this truly shocking program – which has allowed grenade launchers, tear gas, and other weapons of war to be sent to civilian police – the pressure for leaders to do something about it will only continue to grow. For the millions of Americans who experience firsthand the violence and human rights violations these weapons have proven to escalate in their communities, this is not a partisan issue, and we join them in calling on our leaders to see past their own divides and vote for the best interest and public safety for our country.”
CONGRESSIONAL SUPPORT
Senate
INTRODUCED BY:
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, [R-AK], Sen. Harris, Kamala D. [D-CA], Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY]
CO-SPONSORS:
Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Brown, Sherrod [D-OH], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT], Sen. Udall, Tom [D-NM], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN]
ENDORSEMENTS:
NACP, Oxfam, CLASP, Coalition on Human Needs, ADL
