A few weeks ago, Dr. John Abess—a Grit blogger—published this Open Letter to SC Senators Graham & Scott. In it, he requested clarification on the larger-than-typical ammunition purchase by the Department of Homeland Security being reported in the news—leading to rumors of government stockpiling—along with the acquisition of a good many assault rifles, questionable targets, and armored vehicles. He was particularly concerned as the purchase relates to fiscal belt-tightening. Is this normal, he asked? Should we be concerned?
Dr. Abess received responses from both senators, and asked that we published them below.
In the meantime, here's Grit's take: From Senator Scott, you'll find a letter that addresses Dr. Abess' points of concern with relevance and current data. Someone in his office took the time to chase the information down and separate fact from fiction. Most importantly, perhaps, the freshman senator assured his constituent that the large-scale expense wasn't unnoticed or unchecked.
From Senator Graham, you get... well, the kind of response we all actually fear we'll get when we write letters like this. Hey, don't get us wrong: if Dr. Abess had outlined his concerns, then finished with, "Mind sending me a boilerplate letter used for any issue that crosses your desk, be it ammunition buys or the migratory patterns of the state bird," Graham would be a rock star.
Look, we get it. When you're $16 trillion in debt, there tends to be a bit of a back-up in the government complaints and questions box.
But a letter that encourages the writer "to always feel free to pick up the phone, write, or email about this, or any other issue..." after never once identifying or addressing the actual originating issue in question? Do better than that. Be better than that. Or just check with your freshman colleague before you send out another of these form letters that reads like campaign talking points. Tim Scott just cleaned your clock.
Dear Dr. Abess,
Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns regarding recent contracts for ammunition by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and rumors that they have purchased 2700 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. I certainly appreciate your input on this important issue and the opportunity to share my thoughts with you.
As you are aware, concerns have been raised regarding recent DHS ammunition contracts leading to rumors of a 1.6 billion bullet stockpile. While this number is slightly inaccurate since it represents a running tally of the Department's considered contracts rather than the amount of bullets they physically possess, DHS does, however, currently have a contract for a maximum of 450 million rounds of hollow-points to be supplied over the next five years. These rounds would be used by numerous agencies under the Department, with more than 65,000 law enforcement personnel covered under the contract.
If DHS were to purchase all 450 million rounds over five years, it would equate to approximately 1,384 rounds of ammunition per year for each officer. These agents go through training exercises several times per year and must be properly equipped and prepared to defend our country. Given that, this amount of ammunition appears to be necessary for the legitimate purpose of appropriately preparing their agents.
Further, rumors have been circulating that DHS has purchased thousands of vehicles from a defense contractor called Navistar. Luckily, it appears that this is simply a rumor, which spawned from a press release issued by Navistar where the organization announced they were awarded a military contract to upgrade the vehicle chassis on 2,717 U.S. Army MRAP vehicles. These vehicles would remain in the control of the United States Army and be used in future missions abroad.
DHS currently owns a small number of MRAP vehicles that were given to them by the Department of Defense in 2008. These vehicles are used in support of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Response Teams, and have been used in several crisis situations ranging from officer extraction during Hurricane Katrina to active shooter engagements. Rest assured, I share your concern with potential abuse of power by the federal government and will keep your thoughts in mind as this situation develops.
Again, thank you for sharing your perspective with me; I hope that my response has provided some clarity on the issue for you and alleviated your concerns. Please know that I will continue to scrutinize these ammunition purchases, and ensure that American taxpayers' dollars are working for the American people.
For more information, please visit my website at www.scott.senate.gov and subscribe to my monthly e-newsletter. I also encourage you to follow me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/
Sincerely,
Tim Scott
United States Senator
This communication is being sent via e-mail in order to save taxpayer dollars. If you would like a written letter, please notify our office. The information contained herein is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. Please do not tamper with or alter this communication in any way.
Dear John,
Thank you for contacting me regarding federal budget priorities. As the Senate considers this issue, I will keep your comments in mind.
I am committed to getting our nation's fiscal house in order. Government spending has increased at a rate that is detrimental to future generations of Americans. The American people must find ways to live within their budgets, and I believe Congress should, too. Our current fiscal crisis demands careful and sober reflection regarding our nation's spending habits.
However, I recognize the importance of carefully investing in our nation's future in areas like education, medical research, energy independence, and infrastructure development. In addition, we have responsibility to assist those who are less fortunate as they work to achieve a better life for themselves and their families. I look forward to examining all government spending to increase efficiency and make sure we are making the best possible choices with our taxpayer dollars.
My job as your United States Senator is to represent your interests. While I cannot guarantee we will see eye-to-eye on every issue, I can guarantee you I will give your thoughts and opinions the consideration they deserve. Hearing directly from you about the problems facing our nation helps me better serve constituents like you, and the people of South Carolina as a whole. I hope you will always feel free to pick up the phone, write, or email about this, or any other issue, that comes before the Senate.
If you are online, I also encourage you to visit my website — http://lgraham.senate.gov — as it will have information on the most recent activities before the Senate. While there, you can also sign up for e-mail newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages which will provide the latest information, and my up-to-the-minute views on the major issues facing our nation.
Thank you again for taking time from your busy day to contact my office. I look forward to hearing from you again in the future and truly appreciate the opportunity to represent your interests in the United States Senate.
Cover photo credits: Politico & Washington Post
Copyright © 2015 Dez Inc. dba GulfStream Communications
