Send a letter and help end the legacy of war in Southeast Asia

Dear Senator/Representative,

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 submitting increased funding requests to the SFOPS/NSRP Appropriations subcommittee, and/or signing the global demining appropriations sign-on letter.

By removing explosive hazards, Conventional Weapons Destruction (CWD) programs save lives and prevent casualties of local civilians, U.S. service members, and other Americans abroad 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 also projects American soft power by directly benefiting local populations while deminers wear highly visible U.S. flags, and help build security partnerships in strategically important regions.

These programs allow communities to rebuild after conflict, put farmland back to use, and construct roads, railways, schools, and hospitals. Demining is critical to economic recovery and helps lay the foundation for long-term regional and global stability by reducing the drivers of conflict and displacement.

Demining and weapons security programs save lives, promote global security, 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.

Sincerely,