Hill Country Chronicle

Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) has called on Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to provide a comprehensive report on the current ammunition reserve available for Israel. This demand comes after concerns were raised that the stockpile may be running low due to the Biden administration's use of it to support the war in Ukraine.

In a letter addressed to Secretary Austin, Representative Roy emphasized the importance of ensuring Israel has the necessary tools to defend itself against regional terrorist groups supported by Iran. He stated, "It is imperative to the United States' national security interests that Israel has the tools it needs to win and deter their adversaries."

Reports indicate that the Biden administration transferred hundreds of thousands of 155 mm artillery shells from the War Reserves Stock Allies-Israel (WRSA-I) to Ukraine earlier this year. However, the United States is expected to store mission-essential defense articles in WRSA-I for rapid availability in emergencies concerning Israel.

Representative Roy highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of these stockpiles. He referred to 10 USC 2229a, which requires an annual report to Congress on the prepositioned materiel and equipment in various U.S. stockpiles. He expressed uncertainty regarding the consistent application of this reporting requirement to WRSA-I and requested an assessment of the current inventory of weapons in the stockpile.

"I request an assessment, either in public or classified form, of the current inventory of weapons in the WRSA-I to assist Congress' ability to properly advance legislation in support of Israel," Representative Roy stated in his letter.

This call for a full accounting aims to ensure that the United States remains committed to its alliance with Israel and provides the necessary support to maintain its security. As tensions continue to rise in the region, it is crucial to ensure that Israel is equipped to handle any threats it may face.

The Pentagon has yet to respond to Representative Roy's request for a full accounting of the US arms stockpiled for Israel.

Click this link to access more information: https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-demands-full-accounting-pentagon-us-arms-stockpiled-israel