The Cost of War: Stop U.S. Funding of Endless Violence, Invest in Justice and Peace

I am writing as your constituent, deeply troubled by the devastating human and financial toll of U.S. foreign policy decisions, particularly those involving unconditional support for Israel’s military operations. As the Costs of War Project at the Watson Institute documents, U.S. taxpayers spent $22.76 billion on military aid to Israel between October 2023 and October 2024, enabling a record year of violence and destruction. Meanwhile, critical domestic needs remain drastically underfunded, including federal homeless assistance programs that received only $3.1 billion, and an EPA budget barely exceeding $10 billion. This prioritization of endless wars and international militarization over critical humanitarian needs—both at home and abroad—is morally and fiscally indefensible. At the same time, this funding contributes to the suffering of Palestinian civilians, who have faced decades of displacement, occupation, and state-sanctioned violence. It is imperative that Congress: 1. Cease Military Aid Supporting War Crimes: Reassess all military assistance to ensure it does not enable violations of international law, including the ongoing destruction of Palestinian homes, lives, and infrastructure. 2. Pursue Accountability for U.S. Policy: Establish investigations into the misuse of U.S. military aid in perpetuating human rights violations. 3. Invest in Peace and Domestic Priorities: Redirect funds currently allocated for endless wars to urgent domestic needs like homelessness prevention, environmental protection, and healthcare. As an American taxpayer, I demand that my contributions promote peace, justice, and the protection of human rights—not the perpetuation of cycles of violence abroad and neglect at home. It is time for Congress to ensure accountability and to align U.S. foreign policy with the values of equity, compassion, and respect for human dignity. I urge you to take immediate action to halt all forms of support that sustain oppression in Palestine and to advocate for policies that prioritize life and justice over violence and destruction. I look forward to your response and hope to see you championing the cause of peace and human rights. Sources for the figures mentioned: 1. Military Aid to Israel: - Costs of War Project, Watson Institute, Brown University https://watson.brown.edu/costsofwar - AP News article on U.S. military aid to Israel https://apnews.com/article/8e6e5033f7a1334bf6e35f86e7040e14 2. Federal Homeless Assistance Grants: - HUD Press Release on Homeless Assistance https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_23_134 3. Environmental Protection Agency Funding: - EPA Budget Overview https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/budget