July 17, 2025
Mr. Ruiz (for himself, Ms. Tenney, and Mr. Bilirakis) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services
To authorize the use of expeditionary solid waste disposal systems by the Department of Defense and to provide funding for solid waste disposal systems, with an offset, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Waste and Illegal Property Eradication (WIPE) Act
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Sec. 2. Use of solid waste disposal systems by Department of Defense
(a) Expeditionary solid waste disposal systems
(1) In general
The Secretary of Defense may use expeditionary solid waste disposal systems for the destruction of illicit contraband, including seized counterfeit materials, unauthorized military gear, illegal narcotics, and classified materials.
(2) Availability of systems
The expeditionary solid waste disposal systems units deployed under paragraph (1) shall be—
(A)
equipped to support operations related to border security, narcotic interdiction, and the elimination of contraband; and
(B)
made available to military installations, forward operating bases, and partner security forces as needed to assist in countering infiltration and unauthorized use of military assets of the United States.
(b) Prohibition on use of open-Air burn pits To dispose of certain material
The Secretary of Defense may not use open-air burn pits for the disposal of illicit contraband, classified military equipment, or hazardous waste materials.
(c) Funding
(1) In general
The amount otherwise authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026 for Other Procurement, Army, shall be increased by $8,950,000, with the amount of such increase to be available for solid waste disposal systems.
(2) Offset
The amount otherwise authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026 for Operation and Maintenance, Army, Additional Activities, Overseas Operating Costs, shall be reduced by $8,950,000, with the amount of such reduction to be derived from amounts for the use of open-air burn pits in contingency operations.