The True Cost of War
April 8, 2013
A new bill in the House, H.R. 1238, would require the president to submit a report on the long-term cost of the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to Congress. Significantly, the bill would require including the often-overlooked cost of health care for veterans.
Please urge your representative to cosponsor the True Cost of War Act.
(Note that addresses and phone numbers are on Peace Action Home Page.)
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Do help Peace Action Maine take on a campaign “Move the Money”.
This is a critical opportunity to reduce the Pentagon budget.
Peace Action is starting an information and letter-writing project, and more news and scheduling will be reported. See the Home page column urging letters be sent regarding Pentagon spending and the potential for cuts. Rep. Barbara Lee has introduced legislation calling for audits to the Pentagon, as every other federal government agency must do.
Many different persons, including Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, have acknowledged that cuts are possible.
“Taking defense spending off the table is indefensible. We need to protect our nation, not the Pentagon’s sacred cows.” Senator Tom Coburn, OK
“At a time of growing concern over federal deficits, it is essential that all elements of the federal budget by subjected to careful scrutiny. The Pentagon budget should be no exception.” Bipartisan Sustainable Defense Task Force report, 2010
“I don’t think the defense budget should be made sacrosanct.” Colin Powell
“We can achieve safe savings in defense if we are willing to rethink how we produce military power and how, why, and where we put it to use.”
46 national security experts’ letter to Obama’s fiscal commission
Move the Money
The Action Committee will continue to address issues, such as the need for greater diplomacy with Iran, the coming challenges in the Israeli-Palestinian situation, global arms treaties regarding nuclear weapons, and more.