Even if Congress bans chokeholds and no-knock warrants, local police departments might not comply

In Wisconsin, the approximately $700,000 most recently received by Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney is less than 1% of his $84 million budget.

Still, Mahoney said eliminating the funding “would certainly have an impact.” He’s already trying to figure out how to cut $2.5 million to $5 million because the pandemic has reduced county income.

Mahoney, vice president of the National Sheriffs’ Association, said some sheriff departments already don’t apply for federal grants because they don’t want to be saddled with any requirements.

“It’s certainly something that every leader will have to look at,” Mahoney said. “In my case, I don't anticipate a mandate being implemented that I couldn't adhere to.”