Hank Johnson: “A pig with lipstick is still a pig, and a military-grade helicopter secured from the battlefields of Afghanistan is…”

“A pig with lipstick is still a pig, and a military-grade helicopter secured from the battlefields of Afghanistan is still a military-grade helicopter being used against the citizens. Now, if the gentleman's jurisdiction, the city council or the county commissioner agreed to purchase and voted on that, agreed to accept the material, then that is good, but that is not required under the 1033 program, which allows law enforcement agencies to petition directly to the Department of Defense and get this equipment like those helicopters without the consent of the governed. And that is wrong. Over the last several decades, the 1033 program has transferred more than $7.4 billion in surplus military equipment to over 8,000 Federal, Tribal, State, and local law enforcement agencies across the country. When I first introduced this language in 2014, I have heard every single excuse why we should not do something about this program, but it needs to end. The militarization of our police departments needs to end so that we can begin the process of restoring confidence in law enforcement. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 667, the previous question is ordered on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Johnson). The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Johnson). The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that the ayes appear to have it.”