Congressman Biggs Introduces the PROTECT Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) introduced the Providing Resources and Oversight for Tactical Equipment to Communities and Troops (PROTECT) Act. The bill modernizes the administration of the Department of War's Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) or "1033 program," which allows state and local law enforcement agencies to acquire surplus equipment. This update will help the program operate more efficiently and better serve communities nationwide.

The LESO program equips state and local law enforcement with surplus federal resources (ranging from office supplies, vehicles, and specialized gear) used in active shooter response, disaster relief, counterdrug operations, and border security - at minimal cost to these agencies. The LESO program, housed in the Defense Logistics Agency, was created in 1995 after authorization under the National Defense Authorization Act (Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991).

"I introduced the PROTECT Act following conversations with Arizona stakeholders who were frustrated with the growing lack of coordination between state and federal partners," said Congressman Biggs. "This necessary update ensures greater oversight, clearer standards, and more effective state-federal coordination to carry out the program's mission. I'm grateful for another opportunity to stand with our Arizona law enforcement community as these agencies protect our communities and respond to emergencies, natural disasters, and public safety threats."

The PROTECT Act strengthens the role of State Coordinators and addresses local requests for greater consistency across the program by requiring standardized state-federal consultation procedures, annual coordinator training, regular Defense Logistics Agency program reviews, and transparent biennial reporting to Congress and the public.

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