"We always raise our fires now," says 72-year-old Timothy Rekoel, a father of six in the Solomon Islands. He remembers the day in 1986 when a neighbor set fire to cleared vegetation and accidentally ignited an unexploded bomb buried just beneath the soil—a relic of World War II. Shrapnel tore into Timothy's arm, paralyzing part of his hand and permanently damaging his hearing. Decades later, he still lives in fear of what might be hidden under his home.
Timothy's story is not unique. In 2021, more than 100 U.S. projectiles were unearthed less than a mile from his home. The HALO Trust and other humanitarian demining organizations are working to find and safely destroy these explosives but they need sustained U.S. support to continue this lifesaving work.
Congress is currently considering whether to authorize the State Department's humanitarian demining and weapons security programs—programs that prevent injuries like Timothy's and help entire communities live free from fear. Without authorization, these life-saving programs could be cut and families around the world would remain at risk.
From the Solomon Islands to Ukraine, explosive remnants of war continue to threaten lives and halt recovery. Your voice matters. Tell your Representative: Authorize demining programs now to save lives, limbs, and futures.
Subject: Please Authorize State Department Demining and Weapons Security Programs
Dear [Representative],
As your constituent, I am asking you to authorize Conventional Weapons Destruction (CWD) programs in the State Department Authorization Act. These are International Security Assistance programs, managed under the Political-Military Affairs Bureau of the State Department.
From the Pacific Islands to Angola, State Department CWD programs address the impacts of landmines, improvised explosive devices, and other unexploded ordnance, and combat the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons systems in roughly 50 countries.
CWD programs make America safer by removing explosive hazards that threaten U.S. troops, Embassy staff, and other Americans in conflict areas, while providing safety for local civilians. CWD weapons security programs help keep weapons out of the hands of terrorist organizations that might target the U.S. or allies, and criminal gangs who operate across borders, fuel violence, and force families to flee their homes.
CWD programs make America stronger by building security partnerships in regions where the U.S. is competing for influence, and project American soft power by providing a direct and highly visible benefit to local populations. Demining programs also help drive down global food costs by clearing agricultural land.
Therefore, it is essential that you show your commitment to these programs that support American interests by authorizing Conventional Weapons Destruction programs in the State Department Authorization Act.
I hope I can count on your support.
Sincerely,
[Name]
