1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Block any federal funding for the proposed triumphal arch at Memorial Circle. This project has no congressional authorization, no finalized cost estimate, and no business being built on land adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery. The administration's own spokesperson admits it will rely on "some combination of public and private funds" — which means taxpayers are on the hook for an unknown amount to build a monument that serves one man's ego. The military justification is an obvious afterthought. Trump announced on Truth Social that the 250-foot structure would house drones, snipers, and ammunition — none of which appeared in any public planning documents. Representative Don Beyer has called this concept "stupid, dangerous, and unworkable" given the site's proximity to Reagan National Airport, and he's right. Even your Republican colleague Mike Simpson, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, said plainly: "If it was my choice, I wouldn't put any of that money into the arch." Simpson is also correct that if appropriated dollars are used, Congress must authorize them. Use that power. This arch will be a costly embarrassment that a future Congress will have to undo. Don't let it get started.