Legislation Introduced to Prevent Federal Agencies from Stockpiling Ammunition

Two Oklahoma lawmakers have introduced legislation to prevent federal agencies from stockpiling what they consider excessive amounts of ammunition in an effort to make more available for sale to the general public.

The Department of Homeland Security captured the attention of many Americans recently when news broke that it was making some large ammunition purchases. Concerns were raised as to why the agency was making these purchases, and the move also got the attention of some in Congress.

Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Congressman Frank Lucas (R-OK) have introduced legislation that would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a report on the purchasing of ammunition by federal agencies, except the Department of Defense, and its effect on the supply of ammunition available to the public.

Known as the Ammunition Management for More Obtainability (AMMO) Act of 2013, the legislation would restrict agencies from obtaining additional ammunition for a six-month period if current agency stockpiles are higher than its monthly averages prior to the Obama Administration.

Inhofe expressed skepticism that the large purchases made by DHS were being done to limit the ability of ordinary Americans to purchase ammunition by reducing supply. “President Obama has been adamant about curbing law-abiding Americans’ access and opportunities to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” said Inhofe. “One way the Obama Administration is able to do this is by limiting what’s available in the market with federal agencies purchasing unnecessary stockpiles of ammunition. As the public learned in a House committee hearing this week, the Department of Homeland Security has two years worth of ammo on hand and allots nearly 1,000 more rounds of ammunition for DHS officers than is used on average by our Army officers. The AMMO Act of 2013 will enforce transparency and accountability of federal agencies’ ammunition supply while also protecting law-abiding citizens access to these resources.”

Lucas added, “We have introduced the AMMO Act of 2013 to curtail these purchases so Americans can exercise their Second Amendment rights without being encumbered by the federal government. I was surprised to find out the DHS has the right to buy up to 750 million rounds of ammunition over the next five years, while it already has two years worth of ammo already. This is an issue that must be addressed, and I am pleased this legislation provides us the opportunity to do so.”

About the Author

Ian Smith is one of the co-founders of FedSmith.com. He has over 20 years of combined experience in media and government services, having worked at two government contracting firms and an online news and web development company prior to his current role at FedSmith.