Subject: Support Global Demining in FY25 Budget
Dear Representative/Senator,
As your constituent and a supporter of the HALO Trust, I am calling on you to support $290m of funding in the FY25 budget for the State Department's Conventional Weapons Destruction (CWD) programs and additional funding for demining in Ukraine.
From Ukraine to Vietnam, from Angola to the Pacific Islands, landmines and other explosive remnants of war are killing and harming thousands a year – many of whom are children. The presence of explosives prevents post-conflict reconstruction and stability by inhibiting economic development and jeopardizing food security.
I am deeply concerned about the humanitarian cost of allowing landmines to remain in the ground and believe we cannot allow these senseless deaths to continue.
It is ESSENTIAL that Congress includes no less than $290 million for the life-saving State Department Conventional Weapons Destruction program and continued additional support for demining activities in Ukraine.
This support is necessary to keep civilians safe worldwide, prevent dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands, and promote U.S. leadership in countries of strategic national importance. Please ensure the US continues to be the world's leader in demining.
Thank you for your leadership on this important issue.
Sincerely,
[Name]