Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Legislation to Cut $350 Billion from Pentagon Budget
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) recently introduced legislation detailing up to $350 billion in cuts to the Defense budget. Congresswoman Lee released the following statement:
“As we continue to fight a pandemic and economic crisis that has pushed millions into poverty, it’s clearer than ever that a bloated defense budget does not meet our national security needs. Instead of wasting billions of dollars on forever wars around the globe, we should be investing in housing, education, food assistance, clean water for our communities, as well as work to strengthen our diplomatic ties.
“Over the past two decades, the United States has designated approximately $6.4 trillion toward military operations. For this year alone, the Pentagon’s budget totaled $740.5 billion, which proved to be ineffective in addressing the true national security threats we face today, including an unprecedented public health crisis and economic crisis.
“Analysis shows that we can significantly reduce our defense spending without sacrificing our national security or reducing the support for our service members. As Co-chair of the Defense Spending Reduction Caucus, I’m leading this effort to redefine our nation’s priorities and work toward a more peaceful and prosperous world.”
This legislation's proposals include:
· Cutting private service contracting by 15% to save $26 billion
· Eliminating Space Force to save $15.2 billion
· Cutting unnecessary, obsolete, and excessive weapons systems to save $57.9 billion
For the full text of the legislation, click here.