Bill · H.R. 4526· House(119-HR-4526)
Waste and Illegal Property Eradication (WIPE) Act
- Introduced
- 7/17/2025
- Last activity
- 7/17/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Sponsored by
- Raul Ruiz
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Waste and Illegal Property Eradication (WIPE) Act," authorizes the Department of Defense to use expeditionary solid waste disposal systems. These systems are intended for the destruction of illicit contraband, such as counterfeit materials, unauthorized gear, narcotics, and classified materials. The systems are meant to support border security, narcotic interdiction, and the prevention of unauthorized use of military assets. Additionally, the bill prohibits the Secretary of Defense from using open-air burn pits for certain materials. To fund this, $8,950,000 is increased for Other Procurement, Army, which is offset by a $8,950,000 reduction in funds for Operation and Maintenance, Army, Additional Activities, Overseas Operating Costs.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+7
Prohibiting open-air burn pits for hazardous waste and contraband provides significant environmental protection.
Does this tighten control of the border?+6
The bill specifically authorizes waste systems to support border security and narcotic interdiction.
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+5
The prohibition of burn pits provides direct health benefits to veterans regarding environmental exposure.
The opposite
Does this reduce what is spent on the military?-1
While it reallocates funds, it technically increases procurement spending for specific systems.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Improved Destruction of Contraband: The Secretary of Defense may use expeditionary solid waste disposal systems to destroy items like illegal narcotics, counterfeit materials, and unauthorized military gear (Section 2(a)(1)).
-
Support for Security Operations: These systems can be used to support operations involving border security and narcotic interdiction (Section 2(a)(2)(A)).
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Assistance to Military and Partner Forces: Systems can be made available to military installations, forward operating bases, and partner security forces to counter infiltration (Section 2(a)(2)(B)).
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Elimination of Hazardous Practices: The bill prohibits the use of open-air burn pits for disposing of illicit contraband, classified military equipment, or hazardous waste materials (Section 2(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Reduction in Overseas Operating Costs: The amount authorized for Operation and Maintenance, Army, Additional Activities, Overseas Operating Costs will be reduced by $8,950,000 (Section 2(c)(2)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+7
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+6
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Opioid Crisis Response+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+5Reduces Military Spending-1
- 7/17/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Gus BilirakisRepublican · Florida
Claudia TenneyRepublican · New York