Friends -

In Portland, Oregon, and cities across the country we have seen police officers use unnecessary force to attack peaceful protestors. It is past time to bring an end to the militarization of our police forces.

That is why I recently introduced legislation with Senator Bernie Sanders to establish a nationwide ban on law enforcement's use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and bean bag rounds. This legislation would also restrict federal funding to state and local police forces that do not implement the ban and penalize officers who continue using these harmful weapons.

Today I am asking for your help to send a message to my colleagues in the Senate that there is broad support for this bill.

Add your name to say you support my legislation to ban law enforcement from using tear gas and rubber bullets on protestors.

It is wrong for people to be treated like criminals when they take to the streets to peacefully protest. And the use of these weapons of war only intensifies the impact of structural racism.

At a time like this when we are already facing the unprecedented challenge of the coronavirus pandemic – which has disproportionately affected communities of color – it is unthinkable that our police forces would use potentially lethal weapons against the American people and turn our streets into battlefields.

I am urging the Senate to pass this legislation to protect the health and rights of the American people. Will you join me?

Tell the Senate to pass my legislation that would prohibit federal, state, and local law enforcement from attacking civilians with tear gas and rubber bullets.

Thank you for adding your name to join me in calling on the Senate to take up this important legislation.

- Ed Markey

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