Citing ‘Greatest Adversary’ Coronavirus, Some US Democrats Want Defense Cuts
Calling the novel coronavirus the “greatest adversary” facing the United States, progressive U.S. House of Representatives Democrats called on Tuesday for a reduction in military spending as the country grapples with the pandemic.
Twenty-nine House Democrats signed a letter sent to the Democratic chairman and ranking Republican on the House Armed Services, asking them to authorize spending below the $730 billion in this year’s military budget.
“Congress must remain focused on responding to the coronavirus pandemic and distributing needed aid domestically,” said the letter, which noted that annual defense spending has increased by more than $100 billion, or nearly 20%, over the past three years.
“Right now, the coronavirus is our greatest adversary,” they wrote.
The coronavirus has killed more than 90,000 Americans, and left millions of others out of work, crippling businesses that have closed as the public has been ordered to stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.
Lawmakers are currently working on the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, which sets annual defense spending levels, for next year.
Aides to Representatives Adam Smith, the committee’s chairman, and Mac Thornberry, the panel’s ranking member, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter.
The first signers of the letter were Representatives Mark Pocan and Barbara Lee.
(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
The United States spends more on the military than any country in the world. More than the next 10 countries combined. We have enough nuclear weapons to destroy the world 100 times over. We have over 800 military bases in foreign countries. But that’s not enough?
You are absolutely right. We will “win” the next nuclear war. And yes we spend more than the next ten countries spend because we are spending on their protection too. Why did the President want the other members of NATO to start paying for their own part of the budget instead of the US carrying their burden? Yes 800 bases. Some have as few as 6 men manning them. But they get counted as a base,
First time the demoncrats have made a little sense. The problem is that they will use the cuts to line their own pockets. Nah, spend it on the military.
And there it is. Obama depleted the military. It’s what Democrats do. Even though he was their Commander in Chief only 35% approved of him.
Of course trumphisanogoodscumbag will never sign any such bill.
Hmmm, the only scumbag I see around here loves running around crapping on everything. Maybe that same crap should be put in a “John”.
Trump is a scumbag who deserves a ride on a caisson.
In that case you need to be hung from the nearest tree for treason.
If anyone needs to hung for treason it Trump I’ll pay for the rope. I get enough for his administration too