Shimkus Questions DHS Ammunition Purchases

WASHINGTON – Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) has written a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security inquiring about recent ammunition purchases.

“I am regularly asked by constituents about Homeland Security ammunition purchases, ammunition shortages, and related topics,” Shimkus noted.  “The Department of Homeland Security has answered those – although not always to the satisfaction of constituents.

“The recent purchase of high-powered rounds doesn’t fit into past explanations and comes soon after other purchases,” he added.  “Thus, we are asking the Secretary to explain the purchase of 141,160 rounds of Hornaday .308 Winchester 168gr A-MAX-TAP ammunition.”

Specific questions in the letter include:

1. How many of these rounds did the Department purchase in past acquisitions?
2. How many of these rounds does the Department currently hold in inventory?
3. Please provide a breakdown of training and operational expenditures of this ammunition.

“I understand the concerns that constituents express to me, and I hope the Department can adequately explain this purchase,” Shimkus said.

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