U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, both Republicans from Idaho, joined Senator John Cornyn of Texas and nine other Senate Republican colleagues in introducing the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act, according to a March 19 announcement. The proposed legislation would permit active and retired federal law enforcement officers in good standing to purchase their retired service weapons.
The issue is significant because current federal regulations require that firearms no longer needed by agencies be destroyed, a process that costs taxpayers millions of dollars each year. The new bill aims to reduce this expense while giving law enforcement officers the opportunity to buy their former service weapons at fair-market or discounted prices.
“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.” Risch added, “Destroying a perfectly good firearm when a federal agency no longer needs it is a waste of taxpayer dollars. Allowing law enforcement to purchase these firearms is fiscally responsible and plain commonsense.” Cornyn said, “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. This commonsense legislation would reduce unnecessary waste and save both taxpayers and federal agencies money by allowing officers to exercise their Second Amendment rights.”
The bill has additional co-sponsors from several states and companion legislation introduced by Representative Russell Fry passed in the U.S. House of Representatives last year. It has received endorsements from organizations such as 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.
Under the proposed act, the Administrator of the General Services Administration would establish a program allowing eligible officers six months after weapon retirement to make purchases at salvage value. Supporters say this could help offset costs for new equipment or training programs while honoring Second Amendment rights.
Crapo serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Finance and advocates for responsible forest management, tax reform, natural resource protection, and assists Idahoans with federal agencies according to his official website. He grew up in Idaho Falls with five children raised alongside his wife Susan according to his official website, served three terms representing Idaho’s Second Congressional District according to his official website, earned degrees from Brigham Young University and Harvard Law School according to his official website, and continues his work on behalf of Idahoans according to his official website.
