In June, House Amendment to End Funding for Militarization of Police Failed 62-355

Among all the outrage over what is happening in Ferguson, Missouri, Rep. Justin Amash (R-MI) posted on his facebook, a reminder that the House actually voted on an amendment, offered by Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL), back in June that would have prevented federal dollars from being used to provide militarized police equipment to state and local law enforcement.

The amendment failed 62-355.

Today, Rep. Hank Johnson(D-GA) , who voted in favor of the amendment to cut off funding back in June, announced he was sponsoring legislation, that would, “end the free transfers of certain aggressive military equipment to local law enforcement and ensure that all equipment can be accounted for.”

My colleague, Tim, has a good blog up on the situation in Ferguson and the police and protesters’ response.