Dear Senators Cornyn, Tillis, and Manchin,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our support for S. 1585, the “Federal Law Enforcement Service Weapon Purchase Act,” which would allow Federal law enforcement officers to purchase retired service weapons. Last week, the bill passed the House Committee on the Judiciary on a voice vote, and the bill is expected to be considered in the Senate this week.
Federal law enforcement agencies that upgrade or change the firearms issued to their agents and officers are required by Federal Management Regulations to destroy unneeded firearms by crushing, cutting, breaking, or deforming each firearm to ensure that they are rendered completely inoperable and incapable of being made operable for any purpose except the recovery of basic material content. This mandated destruction of serviceable firearms accounts for millions of dollars in wasted Federal funding.
Your legislation would allow for some of these costs to be recovered by allowing Federal law enforcement officers to purchase retired service weapons. Allowing certified Federal law enforcement officers who are authorized and eligible to purchase their former service weapon, which would otherwise be destroyed, would benefit the American taxpayer.
On behalf of the more than 367,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I am proud to offer our support for this legislation. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President