Ratcliffe introduces bill to reverse 1033 Program restrictions for law enforcement

U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX) called on President Donald Trump to prioritize law enforcement safety, specifically advocating for a reversal of former President Barack Obama’s decision to restrict access to the 1033 Program, which provided surplus military equipment to state and local law enforcement.

Ratcliffe said Trump has made it clear he is “committed to ensuring our police are properly equipped to safely do their jobs, and I’ve already spoken to his team about taking swift action to restore access to the ‘1033 program’ as a first step in fulfilling this important responsibility,” Ratcliffe said. “With the enormous sacrifices our nation’s law enforcement officers make on our behalf, we owe them nothing less than the very best protective equipment we can offer.”

Ratcliffe introduced the Protecting Lives Using Surplus (PLUS) Equipment Act of 2015 during the 114th Congress, which aimed to reverse the president’s 1033 decision, however, it was not signed into law.

Ratcliffe’s measure was endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriff’s Association, the Major County Sheriffs’ association, and the National Association of Police Organizations. Ratcliffe earlier this month reintroduced the bill, which awaits a vote in the House.