Neugebauer: On Ammunition Purchases by ... Homeland Security?

Read NRAs investigation here also By Cong. Randy Neugebauer Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON D.C. There have been reports about DHS and SSA purchasing quantities of ammunition recently which has caused concern for some people why are they buying so many rounds? Ive been getting quite a lot of calls and emails lately asking about ammunition purchases by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the Social Security Administration (SSA) and other federal agencies.   Ive been answering these individual questions and I wanted to share some information since its clear that this is an important subject in West Texas. Ive looked into this issue and I want to assure you that the ammunition is only being purchased so these agencies can do their jobs. For instance DHS oversees Customs & Border Protection and those officers need ammunition to help keep our border safe and secure. At first glance it seems odd that the Social Security Administration requires ammunition but its actually used for special agents and criminal investigators that work to prevent Social Security fraud.  There are 295 SSA officers that issue warrants and make arrests to prevent people from defrauding our Social Security funds. Theres also a report that the National Weather Service was purchasing ammunition.  That ammo was actually meant for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement.  These officers work to protect fish populations marine mammals and commercial fisheries.  Like any other law enforcement officers they are armed for encounters with criminals. The National Rifle Association (NRA) also investigated these claims and wrote a great explanation which I encourage you to read. When you take into account training qualification tests and on-duty use by each agent its clear that the ammunition purchases are reasonable. Please keep sharing your concerns so I can make sure Im looking out for your interests in Washington. Congressman Randy Neugebauer represents the 27 Texas Panhandle counties included in the 19th District of Texas. Since taking office June 5 2003 currently in his 5th term he serves as Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations and is also a member of both the House Agriculture Committee and the Science & Technology Committee.