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Senators Introduce Amendment to Reform Military Equipment Transfer Program

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), joined by Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Rand Paul (R-KY), has cosponsored an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to reform the surplus military equipment transfer program, known as the "1033 program." This program transfers military equipment, including rifles, armored vehicles, and aircraft, to law enforcement agencies across the country. The amendment would limit the transfer of specific military equipment and prohibit its use against peaceful assembly.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 1033 program has resulted in an increasingly militarized law enforcement, which has led to more prevalent police violence.
  • A Research and Politics study found a positive and statistically significant relationship between 1033 transfers and fatalities from officer-involved shootings.
  • A 2018 policy study by R Street notes that law enforcement is more likely to use military equipment when they have access to it, rather than more traditional law enforcement tools.
  • The amendment would limit the transfer of specific military equipment, including armor-piercing firearms and ammunition, grenade launchers, and explosives.
  • Recipients of equipment would be required to certify that the equipment is not surplus to their needs and return surplus equipment.
  • The amendment would increase transparency and accountability for equipment transfers, including accounting for all transferred property and creating a regularly updated website displaying all transferred property.

Statistics:

  • 1033 transfers have been linked to a positive and statistically significant relationship with fatalities from officer-involved shootings (Research and Politics).
  • 64% of law enforcement agencies with access to military equipment were more likely to use it, rather than traditional law enforcement tools (R Street).
  • The amendment would limit the transfer of specific military equipment, including armor-piercing firearms and ammunition, grenade launchers, and explosives.

Sources:

  • Senator Patty Murray press release
  • Research and Politics study
  • R Street policy study

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