CODEPINK Statement on Failed House Vote to Cut the Pentagon Budget

In an 86-332 vote, Congress voted to ignore the will of the American people and put the profits of military contractors over people.

The majority of American voters want to cut the Pentagon budget and invest in programs like universal healthcare and the Green New Deal. However, our representatives are beholden to the war profiteers who donate millions to their campaigns every year. This toxic dynamic continues year after year because we allow Congress to be bought and sold by the same companies that receive over half of the Pentagon's total budget.

CODEPINK National Co-Director Carley Towne said, "The only people who won today are the CEOs and stockholders of the top weapons manufacturers. As the dust settles and we reflect on the United States' failed 20-year war on Afghanistan, it is the height of absurdity to hand the Pentagon and military contractors $780 billion. While profits continue to soar for war profiteers, working people are struggling."

There is still time to correct this heinous mistake. Senators can support a similar 10% reduction when they take up their bill in the coming weeks. Even a 10% cut to the Pentagon budget could help address some of our country's most pressing needs, including ending homelessness.

This vote is another wake-up call for anyone who cares about social justice. As climate change and the historic pandemic continue to ravage the world, we need to take matters into our own hands. That's why on September 12, 2021 CODEPINK and over 70 coalition partners launched a new national campaign to Cut the Pentagon for people, planet, peace, and a future. While war profiteers might have the money, we have the people power. Join the movement here.