Sen. Tom Cotton sent the Pentagon a list of demands and an ultimatum over record retention related to how it handled unused border wall materials that the Biden administration sold off before President-elect Donald Trump’s return to office.
Key Facts:
– Sen. Tom Cotton sent a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin demanding documentation of all communications and decisions related to disposing of border wall materials.
– These materials were intended for constructing the southern border wall but were left unused when the Biden administration halted the project.
– The Biden administration, authorized by Congress under last year’s National Defense Authorization Act, sold these materials at low prices, with some buyers being private entities.
– Cotton wants a complete accounting of these transactions and a list of all companies that purchased the materials.
– The Defense Department acknowledges that portions were sold both to government agencies and through a marketplace dealing in excess government materials.
The Rest of The Story:
Cotton’s letter comes as the Pentagon follows orders to offload excess border wall materials after construction ceased under the Biden administration.
According to the senator, the Defense Department’s actions have not only squandered taxpayer money but also weakened U.S. border security efforts.
He warns that, when Trump takes office again next month, these dealings will be closely examined.
Officials confirm that some materials were sold directly to Customs and Border Protection in border states, while others went to private buyers.
Cotton’s request includes a detailed accounting of every sale and all related communications.
He argues that maintaining these records is required by law and will allow Congress to assess the full impact of the Biden-era decisions.
Commentary:
Sen. Cotton’s firm stance appears entirely justified.
If the Pentagon ignores lawful requirements for record-keeping, it sets a dangerous precedent, and his demand clarifies that those who flout the law could face serious consequences.
With a new Trump administration poised to take office, it’s likely the Justice Department would pursue those who played games with crucial border materials.
The mere fact that President Biden chose to offload these materials, knowing full well a new border policy would soon be implemented, suggests a deliberate effort to sabotage America’s security.
Cotton’s ultimatum is a necessary safeguard ensuring that officials who undermined our nation’s defenses cannot simply walk away without accountability.
The Bottom Line:
Cotton’s demand illustrates that the unethical and harmful disposal of border wall materials will not be overlooked.
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Accountability is coming, and the records he requests may well shape how future administrations handle security assets.