Pete Kasperowicz
The Hill
June 6, 2013
The House late Wednesday voted to stop the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) from entering into new contracts to buy millions of
rounds of ammunition until DHS reports to Congress on the need for the
ammo, and its cost.
Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) proposed an amendment to the DHS spending
bill for 2014 that would require the report to Congress before it can
pursue plans to buy 1.1 billion rounds of ammunition. Meadows said the
speed bump is a necessary reaction to news of the huge purchase, which
alarmed many Americans and prompted conservative groups to suspect that
the government was stocking up on the rounds to fight citizens.
“Given this large purchase, the American people and members of
Congress rightfully had concerns and questions,” Meadows said. “This is a
responsible amendment which ensures that Congress and the American
people are aware of the necessity and the cost of ammunition prior to
entering into new contracts for procurement.”
Rep. John Carter (R-Texas) said the amendment was unnecessary, based
on his talks with DHS officials. Carter said DHS has since admitted that
its ammunition needs are not as great as first reported, and said the
department is pursuing a bulk purchase to keep the costs down.
Full article here
