Surplus War Gear Could Go to Volatile U.S.-Mexico Border

A Bill introduced to the House on Nov 15th 2011, by Ted Poe and Henry Cuellar, along with 16 Sheriffs from the South West border States; called (SEND) Act or Send Equipment for National Defense, sent a letter to Panetta inquiring about the surplus military equipment from the Iraq war which will be available to civilian law enforcement to help shore up border security.

The Act would direct DoD to transfer 10 percent of eligible gear returning from abroad to state and local law enforcement. The proposed legislation singles out the MQ-9 Reaper UAV, night-vision goggles and Humvees as items of interest.

“State and local officials are on the front lines of the southern border fighting to protect Americans from spillover violence from Mexico,” the letter said. “They do the best they can with what they’ve got but they are out-manned and out-gunned by the drug cartels and they are desperate for more resources.”

DefenseNews.com / Alternative source

As millions of pieces of military equipment flow back to the U.S. from Iraq and Afghanistan, a growing group of lawmakers on Capitol Hill wants to send some of it straight to the U.S.-Mexico border.

On March 9, Reps. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, and Ted Poe, R-Texas, along with 16 sheriffs from southwestern border states, sent a letter to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta asking for an update on which surplus military gear might be available to civilian law enforcement to help shore up border defenses.

Ten percent will be given for u.s, border protection. Fifteen to thirty percent of that, ten percent, will be illegally sold by the recipients to the opposition. Chaotic madness will ensue to new heights.

Packed full of win win.

the Drug Cartels can afford a war but for how long. How long could they sustain payment to indigenous soldiers of fortune from central America.

Originally posted by rebellender
the Drug Cartels can afford a war but for how long. How long could they sustain payment to indigenous soldiers of fortune from central America.

Probably for as long as Americans keep buying their wares.

If you want the Drug War to end either Just Say No or end the prohibition. Having it both ways just doesn't work.