Myrtle Beach Leader

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) celebrates the passage of his legislation, H.R. 3091 — the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act, by the House of Representatives on May 17. 

 

This legislation allows current and retired federal law enforcement officers in good standing to purchase a retired service weapon from a federal agency. 

“As a new Member of Congress, I'm truly honored that my legislation — H.R. 3091, the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act passed the House of Representatives on May 17,” said Congressman Russell Fry. “This bill enacts a commonsense change and is a win for our federal law enforcement officers and American taxpayers.”

This bill is endorsed by the National Fraternal Order of Police, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), the National Association of Police Organizations, the National Treasury Employees Union, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents Association, Women in Federal Law Enforcement, America First Policy Institute, America First Works, Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) Action, and Heritage Action for America. 

 

“Allowing certified Federal law enforcement officers who are authorized and eligible to purchase their former service weapon, which would be otherwise destroyed, would benefit the American taxpayer,” said Patrick Yoes, National President of the National Fraternal Order of Police. “On behalf of the more than 367,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I am proud to offer our support for this legislation.”  

 

“This bill has so many benefits it is common sense. Allowing active federal officers and agents to buyback their service weapons provides a force multiplier in society, eliminates material waste, and saves taxpayer funds. Many agencies have already adopted a buyback program and many officers in other agencies have long called for it. We applaud the House for hearing the voice of law enforcement and responding accordingly. We are especially grateful for Representative Fry for leading this effort during National Police Week,” said FLEOA President Larry Cosme

 

“With the passage of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act in the House on May 17, Congress is one step closer to establishing a commonsense program that allows federal law enforcement officers to purchase retired service weapons,” said Bill Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations. “These weapons would otherwise be unnecessarily destroyed at a great cost to the federal taxpayer. NAPO thanks Congressman Fry for his leadership on this bill.” 

“The Customs and Border Protection Officers we represent strongly support the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act,” said Tony Reardon, National President of the National Treasury Employees Union. “NTEU would like to thank Rep. Russell Fry and other cosponsors for their support of this commonsense legislation that allows federal law enforcement officers, including those who work at the U.S. air, sea and land ports of entry, to purchase their retired service handguns for personal use, under certain conditions, and save the government the cost of destroying them.” 

 

“The FBIAA is pleased that the House of Representatives plans to move forward with the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act,” said FBI Agents Association President Brian O’Hare. “Federal law enforcement officers should be allowed to purchase retired handguns and the bill is recognition of the responsibility, professionalism and commitment to public safety that is required of FBI Special Agents and other federal law enforcement officers. Congress should enact this legislation as soon as possible, and makes perfect sense to begin that process during Police Week 2023 — a time set aside to honor and support all law enforcement officers.” 

The Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act passed the House of Representatives 232-198.

Read the full bill text here.

Congressman Fry serves on both the House Judiciary Committee and the House Oversight Committee and is also the Republican freshman class president. To stay up to date with Congressman Fry and his work for the Seventh District, follow his official Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages and visit his website at fry.house.gov

Original source can be found here.