Defense Spending Reduction Caucus Slams Pentagon’s $200 Billion Request

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Mark Pocan (WI-02), co-chairs of the Defense Spending Reduction Caucus, released the following statement after reporting that the Pentagon will request an additional $200 billion to fight their illegal war with Iran:

“It is preposterous for the White House and the Pentagon to think of requesting any defense money from Congress while waging a war we never authorized, let alone $200 billion. Recent reporting has shown that this war is already costing American taxpayers between $1 and $2 billion a day and has caused the deaths of 13 servicemembers, nearly 1,500 Iranian civilians, and dozens of civilians throughout the Middle East. Donald Trump owns this war. He walked us into this catastrophic and deeply unpopular war. 

“This is a war of choice with no apparent endgame. Instead of getting us into another quagmire, this money could go towards lowering costs for Americans, including by fully funding the ACA tax credits, feeding hungry kids, and taking care of our veterans. It is deeply shameful that Republicans always find money for wars, but are unable to allocate funds to take care of the American people. Congress should immediately reject this request.”

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