With mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles and Humvees now patrolling cities around the country to quell protests, America’s streets look more like warzones these days. But this isn’t a new phenomenon -- this is the product of local police departments stockpiling free military-grade weapons for decades.

Through controversial programs with the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security, surplus assault weapons, drones and other military-grade equipment that are inappropriate and dangerous to have on the streets are being transferred directly to local law enforcement. 

This should concern every one of us. Militarizing America won't make us any safer, rather just more fearful and more reticent. This Congress, I’ve reintroduced the Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act -- which would put an end to weapons and equipment giveaways -- and I’m proud to see the entire bill included in the Justice in Policing Act that’s being considered right now in Congress. 

And while this is a sign of progress, this is merely the beginning of our work to reform policing in America -- because demilitarizing only addresses part of our problem. In a moment like this, we simply cannot let down all those whose lives have been cut short due to the pandemic of police brutality. We owe it to George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and countless other Black Americans to deliver true police reform and get a handle on police brutality. 

Passing the Justice in Policing Act will only be the beginning. In Congress, I’ll continue working toward an even stronger response to the systemic issues at hand -- by pushing to get military-grade equipment out of the hands of police officers and make sure we’re investing enough in our communities.

This work won’t come easy, but with a team of grassroots progressives at my back, I know we can affect meaningful change. I can’t do this without you, so please consider chipping in to my reelection campaign so we can continue to fight for what’s right.

Thank you,

Hank Johnson