Earlier this year, the USDA solicited submachine guns. The United States Department of Agriculture!

This is an agency tasked with regulating agriculture…

…and they asked for submachine guns.

My question: Why would an agency created to regulate farmers require automatic weapons?

They wouldn’t. They don’t.

From the Farm To Consumer Legal Defense Fund’s Action Alert:

If agency officials face a situation in which armed backup is truly called for, they can go through the proper procedures to have support from the Department of Justice. Having in-house SWAT teams and armed personnel makes it too easy to turn a non-hazardous situation into an armed raid that abuses the rights of our citizens. Bureaucrats aren’t hired or properly trained for dangerous law enforcement situations. Moreover, it’s a waste of taxpayer dollars to provide weapons to each individual agency. (source)

What can you do about it?

Thankfully, after news of the USDA’s acquisition reached the public, Congressman Chris Stewart of Utah introduced the Regulatory Agency Demilitarization Act (HR 4934).

The bill does three things:

1. Repeals the arrest and firearm authority granted to Offices of Inspectors General by the 2002 Homeland Security Act.

2. Prohibits federal agencies, other than those traditionally tasked with enforcing federal law–such as the FBI and U.S. Marshals–from purchasing machine guns, grenades, and other weaponry regulated under the National Firearms Act.

3. Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to write a complete report detailing all federal agencies with specialized units that receive special tactical or military-style training and that respond to high-risk situations that fall outside the capabilities of regular law enforcement officers.

That link will take you to The Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund’s site, where you can sign a petition that will automatically fax your representative in support of the bill.

Why We Need The Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund

The Fund isn’t just about providing legal representation for members in court cases.

Nor do they simply offer free legal advice to members when overzealous government bureaucrats come knocking.

The Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund also tirelessly works to build grassroots activism to create the most favorable regulatory climate possible for small farmers and the consumers who want to support them.

That not only includes advising congressmen on bill language, but also supporting legislation through Action Alerts, social media outreach, and hosting online petitions like this one.

If you want to support your local farmers, one of the single best things you can do (besides buying directly from your farmers) is to offer financial support to the Fund.

Support The Fund, Win an Alaskan Adventure for Two

This month, I’m helping to promote an awesome raffle — the proceeds of which will go to the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund.

Why not support an amazing cause while also getting the chance to win a trip with me to Alaska?