Executive Orders 13688 and 14074 tightened regulations on selling excess equipment from the Department of Defense (DOD). Representatives Mike Waltz (R-FL) and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) have introduced a bipartisan bill scaling back the potency of these orders by requiring Congressional approval of their enforcement, allowing law enforcement easier access to lifesaving gear.
Aptly named the "Lifesaving Gear for Police Act of 2024," Rep. Waltz and Rep. Moskowitz's bill would prohibit the enforcement of regulations introduced by these executive orders unless Congress approves of their enforcement and safeguards against similar executive orders in the future.
For additional context, Executive Order 13688 was signed by President Barack Obama in 2015 after the riots in Ferguson, Missouri, over the death of Michael Brown prompted concerns that the police were becoming "militarized." The EO prohibited and tightened the issuance of certain types of excess DOD equipment to law enforcement via the 1033 program.
Executive Order 14074, introduced in 2022 under the Biden Administration in response to the death of George Floyd, similarly sought to restrict access to military-grade equipment for law enforcement and the usage of no-knock warrants in addition to banning the use of chokeholds.
However, these regulations can produce unintentional consequences, leaving police needing adequate equipment for search and rescue operations, emergency and natural disaster response efforts, and active shooter situations.
"Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect us, and they deserve the best tools available to do their job safely and effectively. The Lifesaving Gear for Police Act of 2024 ensures that no executive order will ever again stand in the way of law enforcement receiving the equipment they need to protect themselves and our communities. It's time to stand up for our police and ensure they have the resources they deserve," Rep. Waltz said in his press release.
Similarly, Rep. Moskowitz said, "When we send police officers to protect and serve, it is critical that we provide them with the appropriate resources to keep themselves and our communities safe. I'm pleased to work in a bipartisan manner with Congressman Waltz to show support for law enforcement and deliver the lifesaving gear they require."
