Across the globe, deadly landmines and explosive hazards put traveling Americans, US servicemembers, local men, women, and children, and national security at risk.
US-funded humanitarian landmine removal programs remove harmful explosive hazards before they can kill innocent civilians from Iraq to Laos. However, these programs do more than clear the way for children to walk to school in war torn countries—they remove deadly explosives that terrorist organizations can use to create instability or use directly against US forces. Removing landmines advances our security, protects Americans traveling abroad, and reduces refugee flows by making it safe for civilians to return home.
By standing with us, you're standing for a world where no one lives in fear of landmines or other hidden dangers. Call on your elected officials today to urge them to support increased funding for demining efforts that keep Americans safe!
Subject: Prioritize Demining in FY25 Budget to Protect National Security
Dear Senator/Representative,
As your constituent and a supporter of the HALO Trust, I am calling on you to sign the Global Demining Appropriations Letter and support $290m of funding in the FY25 budget for the State Department's Conventional Weapons Destruction (CWD) programs and additional funding for Ukraine.
U.S. programs to remove improvised explosives and landmines overseas help to preserve national and international security, protect members of the U.S. armed forces, counter malign CCP influence in areas like the Solomon Islands, and reinforce stability in countries recovering from conflict.
State Department demining programs prevent terrorist organizations and gangs from accessing explosive materials that can be used to target Americans, while removing explosive threats that have taken far too many lives of our brave service members overseas.
Demining and other CWD programs are widely considered to be a cost-effective form of foreign aid and way to bolster global stability. These programs are an efficient way to promote economic development to reduce aid dependence, reduce refugee flows by enabling the return of displaced families, remove hazards that could harm U.S. troops and traveling Americans, and ensure that the U.S. fulfills its commitment to removing its legacy ordnance.
Please support additional resources for global landmine removal programs in this year's budget by signing the Global Demining Appropriations Letter. Your actions will create a safer America and help ensure our troops can come home safely.
Sincerely,
[Name]
