1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

I am writing to you today to express my deep concern regarding recent legislative efforts to drastically increase military spending, specifically the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). As a constituent, I urge you to oppose legislation that prioritizes an unchecked expansion of the Pentagon budget at the expense of our domestic needs and fundamental civil liberties. My concerns are largely informed by the recent debate surrounding the proposed $1.15 trillion Pentagon budget. At a time when many American families are struggling to manage the rising costs of groceries, utilities, and daily necessities, it is disheartening to see a legislative push to nearly double our military budget while simultaneously proposing cuts to programs that support our own citizens. Furthermore, I am deeply troubled by the rhetoric surrounding this funding. Framing domestic political opponents, immigrants, and protesters as "enemies within" whom we must fight on our own shores is dangerous and un-American. We must remain vigilant against the use of our armed forces for domestic law enforcement purposes, and I expect my representatives to reject any legislation that encourages such a paradigm. Additionally, I share the concerns raised by Senators Sanders and Wyden regarding specific provisions within the NDAA. I strongly oppose the inclusion of funding for a war in Iran and the provision of weapons to Israel without robust oversight. Specifically, I am alarmed by the proposed deepening of cooperation with Israeli contractors on surveillance and AI technologies. History has shown these tools are ripe for abuse and have contributed to human rights violations. I urge you to vote against this defense authorization package. We must prioritize oversight, fiscal responsibility, and the well-being of the American people over an ever-expanding military-industrial complex. Thank you for your time and for considering my position on this critical issue.