As your constituent, I am writing to urge you to support increased funding for State Department global demining programs, funded through the State Department's Conventional Weapons Destruction (CWD) account by signing the global demining appropriations sign-on letter.
The Conventional Weapons Destruction (CWD) account funds State Department demining and weapons security management programs in roughly 40 countries. In Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, CWD programs are clearing U.S.-origin explosives from the Vietnam War, bringing closure to local communities and U.S. veterans while strengthening bilateral ties. CWD programs also build security partnerships in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America where the U.S. is competing with China for access and influence, and project American soft power by providing a direct benefit to local populations while deminers wear highly visible U.S. flags.
These programs also allow countries to rebuild after conflict, put farmland back to use, and construct roads, railways, schools, and hospitals. Demining is critical to economic recovery, reducing the need for other forms of aid, and enabling opportunities for positive trade with the U.S.
Demining and weapons security programs save lives, protect U.S. national security and economic interests, and demonstrate American leadership in Southeast Asia and beyond. Therefore, I urge you to support increased funding for the Conventional Weapons Destruction account in the FY27 appropriations process, including by joining related sign-on letters.
Thank you for your leadership and for supporting programs that save lives and create lasting security.
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