Congress: Protect the DoD Center that works to keep civilians out of harm’s way

The Washington Post (accessed online March 5, 2025) reported that the Pentagon plans to shut down Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response, including work that refines targeting operations along with the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence that outlines best practices and training for military leaders to follow. Formal closure of this Center requires congressional approval, but, according to WaPo, staffers at the center have expressed concerns that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will effectively gut the organization. This is an egregious example of Executive Branch overreach into Congress’s purview. It is also an unconscionable move, putting our country at risk of breaking the Fourth Geneva Convention regarding protecting civilians during war. I am horrified. Congress must act to protect this Center’s work.