John

For too long, the Pentagon's bloated budget has been treated as untouchable, even as many communities nationwide struggle with underfunded schools, crumbling infrastructure, lack of affordable housing and healthcare, and the growing impacts of climate change.

A prime example of the Pentagon's fiscal irresponsibility is the so-called "Unfunded Priorities List" (UPL). Since 2017, Congress has required the military services to submit wish lists for billions in additional funding beyond even the President's already enormous budget request.

For FY2025, these unfunded lists total over $25 billion on top of the $895 billion President Biden has proposed – money that will largely flow to overcharging defense contractors who already consume nearly half the military budget.

Fortunately, there is a solution. The bipartisan Streamline Pentagon Spending Act (H.R.4740), introduced by Representatives Pramila Jayapal and Ritchie Torres, would eliminate the UPL mandate, striking a blow against waste and restoring accountability. This common-sense reform would free up billions to invest in American communities.

Tell Congress that it’s time to get serious about reining in wasteful military spending and reprioritizing funds to address the real needs of the American people.

Funneling more and more taxpayer dollars into weapons systems and service contracts undermines real national security by diverting funds from essential domestic needs.

Even as Congress pours money into the Pentagon, the Department of Defense has never managed to pass a full financial audit and remains on the Government Accountability Office's "High Risk List" for waste, fraud, and abuse.

At a time when so many are struggling to make ends meet, continuing to stuff the pockets of defense contractors is unacceptable. Our budget should reflect the values and needs of the American people, not the greed of the military-industrial complex.

That's why all of us must reach out to our members of Congress today with a clear message: support the Streamline Pentagon Spending Act and start reining in out-of-control Pentagon waste.

Together, we can build a budget that truly supports the well-being and security of all.

- Amanda

Amanda Ford, Director
Democracy for America
Advocacy Fund