WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tom Cotton (R-AR), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) yesterday introduced the Federal Law Enforcement Service Weapon Purchase Act, which would allow current federal law enforcement officers to purchase their retired service weapon at market value in an effort to stop the loss of millions of federal dollars in destroyed guns:

“Retired guns used by agencies like the Border Patrol and the Secret Service must be destroyed once they reach the end of their service life, a practice that wastes millions of dollars,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would allow federal agencies to recuperate the value of these guns by selling them back to the federal law enforcement officers who use them.” 

“I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will save taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Sen. Cortez Masto. “I will always have our law enforcement officers’ backs and I’m going to keep working to ensure they have the resources they need to keep our communities safe.”

“Instead of destroying retired weapons—which wastes millions in tax dollars—law enforcement officers should have the option to purchase these firearms,” said Sen. Cotton. “Revenue from the sales would help cut the cost of purchasing new weapons, and would allow officers to purchase firearms they’re already accustomed to.”

“It makes no sense that law enforcement officers currently cannot purchase the firearm that they have used for years,” said Sen. Tillis. “This commonsense legislation will also save taxpayer dollars since these firearms will be sold instead of stored and destroyed at taxpayer expense. I am proud to introduce this legislation with my colleagues and I will always work hard for our brave law enforcement officers.”

Background:

The Federal Law Enforcement Service Weapon Purchase Act allows federal law enforcement officers to buy their retired weapon at the fair market value within six months of the end of its service life. The agency must conduct a background check prior to purchase.

The legislation is endorsed by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police, and National Association of Police Organizations.