[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 146 (Saturday, October 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             IMPROVING THE FEDERAL MILITARY SURPLUS PROGRAM

                                 ______


                          HON. EDWARD R. ROYCE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 1994

  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, over the past decade, helicopters have become 
an indispensable tool for efficient law enforcement, search and rescue 
operations, and emergency medical transportation. Increasingly, city, 
county and State agencies have come to rely on helicopters to 
effectively serve their communities. Helicopters have proven to be a 
vital tool in fighting crime and saving lives.
  Tight budgets on every level of government have made the acquisition, 
operation, and maintenance of community service helicopters 
prohibitive. During this session of Congress, the House and Senate have 
expressed their concern with providing assistance to State and local 
governments so that they could perform their fundamental obligations. 
We have the ability to help these communities fulfill their 
responsibilities.
  The Federal Military Surplus Program awards surplus Army OH-6 
helicopters to law enforcement agencies. These helicopters are awarded 
based on the agencies' ability to meet certain criteria, most 
importantly need, ability, and intent to wage a comprehensive drug 
interdiction program within their jurisdictions. These helicopters can 
also be used for emergency medical transportation and search and rescue 
operations.
  Unfortunately, the aircraft are delivered to recipient agencies as 
is. This translates into military operational readiness, which is not 
compatible with law enforcement and other civilian performance and 
equipment needs. The cost of refurbishing the aircraft to meet the 
needs of civilian applications is approximately $400,000 per 
helicopter. Thus, a paradox has evolved. Recipient law enforcement 
agencies are almost all facing budget crises, particularly capital 
budgets. Although they can accept the free helicopters from the Army, 
they cannot afford to have them modified for their use without 
budgetary assistance.
  Congress has an interest in assisting every law enforcement agency in 
the country. We have the power to equip them with proven tools 
necessary to effectively protect their communities. The concept of 
giving away tools only to have them stored in hangars, on fields, and 
in garages for lack of resources is wasteful. We must find a way to 
provide the necessary resources to these recipient agencies so that 
these communities can be served.

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