"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 Ukraine to the Vietnam, 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.
By removing explosive hazards, CWD programs protect civilians and U.S. service members. CWD programs strengthen U.S. security partnerships and project American soft power by providing a direct and tangible benefit to large populations as deminers wear highly visible US flags on their body armor. Demining programs allow the return of displaced families, support stability, enable access for other forms of humanitarian aid, and protect human rights. These programs immediately return land to local communities, catalyzing economic development, supporting recovery after conflict, and improving food security.
CWD programs also keep explosive materials and weapons out of the hands of terrorist groups, cartels, and other criminals through efforts to secure government weapons stockpiles – protecting American security and supporting international stability.
Therefore, it is essential that you show your commitment to these programs by authorizing Conventional Weapons Destruction programs in the State Department budget.
I hope I can count on your support.
Sincerely,
[Name]
