Risch, Crapo, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Allow Law Enforcement Officers to Purchase Retired Firearms

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act , which would allow active and retired federal law enforcement officers in good standing to purchase retired service weapons and firearms. “Destroying a perfectly good firearm when a federal agency no longer needs it is a waste of taxpayer dollars,” said Risch. “Allowing law enforcement to purchase these firearms is fiscally responsible and plain commonsense.” “Millions of taxpayer dollars are spent each year destroying retired federal service firearms,” said Crapo. “This practice effectively means the government pays for the same firearm twice—first when it is purchased, and again when it is destroyed.  Allowing federal officers in good standing to purchase their retired service weapons is a common-sense, cost saving measure.” “There’s no reason the brave men and women in law enforcement who dedicate their lives to preserving public safety should not be able to purchase retired firearms,” said Cornyn. “This commonsense legislation would reduce unnecessary waste and save both taxpayers and federal agencies money by allowing officers to exercise their Second Amendment rights.” Risch, Crapo, and Cornyn are joined by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cynthis Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Jim Justice (R-W.V.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.). Congressman Russell Fry (S.C.-07) introduced companion legislation, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives last year. This legislation is endorsed by the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Major Cities Chiefs Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Association of Police Organizations, National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, and National Fraternal Order of Police. Current federal regulations require agencies to destroy a firearm once it is retired from use or is no longer needed, costing taxpayers millions of dollars each year. The Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act would reduce this waste and honor the Second Amendment rights of our law enforcement by allowing eligible federal officers to buy retired firearms at fair-market or discounted rates. Recovering this value can in turn offset the cost of new equipment and technology, fund training programs, and support other public safety needs.