Expressing condemnation for police brutality wherever in the world it occurs.
This measure is a House Resolution introduced by Representative Omar that expresses condemnation of police brutality "wherever in the world it occurs" and reinforces solidarity with peaceful protesters. It characterizes police brutality as including excessive force, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, torture, and the improper use of crowd-control weapons, and it notes that such abuses harm vulnerable groups and undermine the rule of law. The resolution is non-binding (a statement of values and policy preferences) and directs the Executive Branch to pursue a set of policy goals and actions, both domestically and internationally, aimed at reducing police brutality and impunity. Key actions called for include tightening U.S. policy on policing abroad and at home: eliminating police brutality and impunity in the United States; prohibiting arms sales and other security assistance (including police training) to countries with documented human rights abuses or impunity; using U.S. influence in international institutions to push for an end to police brutality; ending militarized policing tactics and equipment both domestically and internationally; reallocating funds toward peacebuilding, job training, mental health, and violence-prevention programs; and requiring U.S.-based companies to adopt strict sales protocols to prevent arming repressive governments. The resolution emphasizes accountability, human rights, and the protection of vulnerable populations, and it calls for a shift in policy and resources to non-violent, preventive approaches.
Key Points
- 1Non-binding statement: The resolution expresses condemnation and sets policy preferences but does not create enforceable law; it directs committees to consider related provisions and urges action by the Executive Branch.
- 2Domestic reform emphasis: Aims to eliminate police brutality and impunity within the United States and to protect the rights of peaceful protesters and vulnerable populations.
- 3Foreign policy and arms/assistance restrictions: Proposes prohibiting the sale of arms, ammunition, and “less-lethal” policing equipment, as well as other security assistance, to countries with patterns of human rights violations or impunity by security forces.
- 4International engagement and militarization concerns: Urges using U.S. influence in international institutions to end police brutality and to cease militarized policing tactics and equipment abroad as well as at home.
- 5Funding and corporate responsibility: Calls for reallocating funding toward peacebuilding and preventative programs, and for U.S.-based businesses to adopt strict sales protocols to prevent supplying policing equipment to abusive regimes.