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ALT TEXT: The Military At Home. America must take a hard look at it's relationship with the expansion of weapons of war within our local law enforcement agencies. By E.A. Davenport It has been almost just two years following the deaths of Freddie Gray and Michael Brown. These two men, both killed in the hands of law enforcement were two instances in a growing frustration around misconduct and the lack of accountability within local law enforcement agencies. When we look at the scene of both Baltimore and Ferguson. Protests and uprisings rose as people took to the streets to air out their frustration with a system, they feel has been against them. Many joined in the streets with their hands raised and shouting chats calling for justice. In response local law enforcement met protestors with military paraphernalia and SWAT gear. A response that seems disproportionate to the actions of the protester. Big military style MRAP trucks with snipers perched on the roof of the truck. Pause, one must think this sounds like a scene from a military battle oversees but, no this is right here on American soil. We must take a hard look at our relationship to military style weapons on our streets. What makes it even more worrisome is that these are in the hands of those who are sworn to protect us. The reason for this is because of the 1033 program. This program was implemented in 1997 under US Department of Defense appropriations. This granted the Department of Defence to give state, local and federal law enforcement agencies military style hardware. Some of this includes Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) trucks, rifles, military helmets and much more. This program was an addition to the failed war on drugs and has created s sense of strong military presence in our cities as response to peaceful assembly by American citizens. In 2015 Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced legislation that would halt this rapid and continuously growing overreach by law enforcement. This bill titled the Stop Militarizing Our Law Enforcement Act of 2015 would “prohibit the federal transfer of militarized equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies including, MRAP vehicles, drones and armored vehicles transferred through the U.S. Department of Defense’s 1033, U.S. Department of Justice’s Byrne Justice Assistance Grant, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Grant programs.” As a response to President Obama's 2015 Executive Order which only limited some aquisition of military equipment but was criticized for being only a band-aid on the issue. Paul stated "As a nation, we were shocked by images of police responding to protests in Ferguson, Missouri, outfitted as if going to war. As we rebuild the trust between communities and the police, we have to address the role that the federal government has played in supplying law enforcement with battlefield equipment." Right now, Republicans are trying to continue the expansion of the police state. Hiding behind the age old Nixonian rhetoric of “tough on crime”. But who are they really trying to crack down on? Looking at the protests across our nation, we see innocent Americans expressing their opinions met by snipers and military trucks. While we must understand that law enforcement is a part of the conversation around reform, we must not create a culture of fear but a culture of community. The future in understanding this relationship can go either way. It is our choice to let it turn the right way and that way is to stop the overreach.

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Name: Nolan A. Stokes (D-MD) Media/Outlet: Politics Nation with Rev. Al Sharpton Reason: Watford Nomination to SCOTUS The point of the matter is this Rev., Republicans have no real opposition the Judge Watford's nomination to the Supreme Court. They have gone as far as using identity politics to discredit Judge Watford, they have delayed his first nomination over the hopes to tip the courts in their favor following the election. They have over politicized the Supreme Court setting dangerous standards of how the check and balance on our government is managed. Republicans have ultimatly obstructed the process for which the Constitution has outlined. And now that their first plan failed, they are using anything and everything to throw out and discredit Judge Watford. Judge Watford is qualified. There is no question or doubt about that. He has a long resume of legal work in private practice, he has had two cases that were appealed to the Supreme Court result in decisions agree with his opinions that have cited judicial precident. To put it in plain and simple terms, he has been an impartial judge, he has always followed what was outlined in the constitution and has held stadfast to upholding the legitimacy of our judicial process.

Name: Nolan A. Stokes Media/Outlet: CNN Tonight with Don Lemon Reason: The election has happened, now it is time to confirm Judge Watford. Don, last year when I was here, we were having this discussion around Judge Watford and how Mitch McConnell was obstructing the nomination all because he was hoping McCord was gonna be in the White House. He said that he wanted to let the people pick the next president and let her decide, we her is Xiomara de la Cruz and the Democrats have the majority in the Senate. So I hope republicans will now hold themselves to their vow to support Judge Watford. To be quite frank what happened was dangerous, the GOP has politicized the supreme courts and we must acknowlege that. I believe Judge Watford should have been confirmed last year. President Obama was fullfilling his obligations as president and the GOP politicized and blocked his nomination for political reason. That is not right and that is concerning for the future of nominations and appointments from this body especially with the rhetoric the GOP has been throwing around. Judge Watford is qualified, he has an impecable background and I have confidence in him serving in the role of an Assocate Justice. Watford has displayed through his time on the federal bench that he can be impartial and that he will do his duty to defend the constitution. I have no doubt he will serve the interest of our constitution.

STOKES INTRODUCES BIKESHARE PROGRAM FUNDING SUPPORT WASHINGTON, DC – Today Senator Nolan A. Stokes introduced the Bikeshare Transit Act, which if passed will provide federal transit funding for local bikeshare programs, like the Capital Bikeshare, which serves the DC Metro Area -- including Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. Currently, many bikeshare programs across the nation recieve federal funding to support any additional cost to their programs. However, there is no dedicated fund source to provide continuous support to these programs. This bill will make clear that bikeshare projects are eligible for existing federal funding and enshrins into federal transportation law the definition of bikeshares. "Bikeshare programs are important in providing diverse transit options for commuters. In the DC Metro area through programs like the Capitol Bikeshare program," said Senator Stokes. "Programs like these are working and we must provide federal support to localities to ensure these bikeshare programs can thrive." Senator Stokes also highlighted how this bill would indirectly support the fight against climate change, "regardless if your using it through bikeshare programs or your personal bike, its carbon free and keeps us active."

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All Eyes on Wisconsin: A Turning Point for Both Parties by E.A. Davenport Milwaukee, WI - On a long and drawn out evening, volunteers, supporters, media and onlookers waited. Some were waiting nervously, while others mosied around chatting with others as counties across the state began to coming in with results. This was the scene at the Russ Feingold Watch Party. For Feingold, this was huge. In an attempt to help the Democrats regain the Senate, Russ Feingold took on the challenge for his former Senate seat against incumbent Ron Johnson, who narrowly defeated Feingold in the 2010 Elections. This time, in 2016 ,Feingold ultimately came out the victor, reclaiming his seat and leading adding an additional seat to the roster for Democrats leading to a 51-49 slim Democrats Majority. However, this could all change and make the margin even more slim for Democrats. With the election of Senator Doug Murphy as the incoming Vice President, Wisconsinites will have a second change to elect a new senator following Murphy's assentions to the White House with President-elect Xiomara de la Cruz. The special election to replace the Vice President Elect will be help on March 7, 2017 and may not be a simple win for Democrats. Because Wisconsin state law requires a special election, luckly for Democrats they aren't subject a gubenatorial appointment. However, because the election is an off year and a special election, turn out could be low and affect Demcorat's chances of holding Murphy's seat and ultimatly dividing the Senate down the Middle. Looking at who may throw their hat in the ring, here are a few people we thing are Republicans that may run for the open seat: Republicans Governor Scott Walker: While it may be more likely that Governor Walker may not seek to run for the Senate seat and focus on his govenrorship. Serving as the highest ranking elected Republican, he already has name recognitition. The only downside is, do Republicans want to risk the Governorship beofre the 2018 election, with Walkers legacy with teachers, it could mean an uphil battle for him, especially if the Democrats put up the right challenger. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos: Everything seems to come down to the 2011 Budget Fights doesn't it/ Well Vos was a strong supporter of the bill. He might also get alot of flack from teachers and unions but depending on how Republicans narrate his role with Walker, his actions could be more of a crutch in the general. State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald: Serving in the State Senate since 1995, Fitzgerald is a major powerhouse in Wisconsin. Some say he has been a bit of a naysayer to Walker. Being critical of the budget rapair bill in 2011. He here is the establishment and could likely float to the general.

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Name: Nolan A. Stokes Media/Outlet: CNN Tonight with Don Lemon Reason: Republicans are politicizing the Supreme Court. Justice Watford should get a fair hearing. The reason why Republicans are obstructing Judge Watford's nomination is simple. It's all about politics Don. Republicans are more worried about win the 2016 elections and tipping the influence on the Court and are less concern with doing their constitutional duty of confirming a new justice. The GOP has no real legitimate reason to not hold a hearing on the nomination. They just want to win the election and use the courts as their own political payground. The legitimacy of the courts are at stack here. What the Republicans have done is politicized a branch of the US Government that is not suppose to be political in the first place. President Obama was elected by the American people - twice I might add - and it is my understanding that until 12:00 noon on January 20, 2017, he is still President. Judge Watford is more then qualified to serve on the Supreme Court. With his impecable background and committment to interprating the constitution in an impartial and fairminded way is who we want to sevrve as a Justice. I have met with Judge Watford, and I hold him to high regard and he has earned alot of respect from me. I do believe he deserves a fair hearing and I belive he is qualified to serve on the Supreme Court.

SENATOR STOKES STATEMENT ON APPOINTMENT OF JUDGE PAUL WATFORD TO SUPREME COURT WASHINGTON, DC – This afternooon Senator Nolan A. Stokes (D-MD) releases the following statement on President Obama's nomination of Judge Paul J. Watford to the United States Supreme Court: After reviewing his background and meeting with Justice Watford, I believe we must fullfill our constitutional duties and give his nomination a fair hearing. Judge Watford is highly qualified and has demonstrated that as a judge he has interpated the constitution fairly. He has been a remarkable jurist and has my confidence to uphold the constitution of the United States. We should hold hearings on Judge Watford's nomination and I believe we should confirm him. Leader McConnell needs to do his job and docket this nomination.

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