President Donald Trump’s signing of an executive order to continue sending surplus defense equipment to state and local authorities met applause on Monday from U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX).
Ratcliffe has led congressional efforts to restore access to the program, known as the 1033 Program, after President Barack Obama signed an executive action blocking access to the program in 2015.
“After more than two years of fighting in Congress to restore access to the life-saving equipment provided by the 1033 Program, I’m grateful we have a partner in President Trump, who recognizes the importance of giving our brave men and women in law enforcement every tool they need to keep our communities safe,” Ratcliffe said.
Ratcliffe introduced legislation in 2015, the Protecting Lives Using Surplus (PLUS) Equipment Act, to roll back Obama’s changes to the 1033 Program. Ratcliffe reintroduced the bill earlier this year, H.R. 426, and he addressed the issue in a House Homeland Security Committee hearing.
“President Obama’s politically motivated executive actions to block access to the 1033 Program crippled police departments’ response efforts in crisis situations — including high-water flood rescues and standoffs with armed attackers — while jeopardizing the safety of those in the line of duty,” Ratcliffe said.