Military spending

Read about the House of Representatives' vote on July 19 to freeze Pentagon spending at last year's level.

The United Nations estimates it would cost about $30 billion to make sure that everybody around the world has enough to eat. That's about one-twentieth of the Pentagon's yearly budget. The United States spends more on its military than nearly all other countries in the world combined. Yet it is difficult to find the political will to move funding away from the military.

In fact, as policymakers try to reduce the deficit, they have made cuts to programs that assist those living in poverty in this country and overseas. So far, the Pentagon's budget has gone largely untouched. Bipartisan deficit commissions and others such as the Sustainable Defense Task Force have recommended that as much as $1 trillion be cut from the military over the next decade.

Anabaptists have long stressed Jesus’ teaching that we should be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9, 5:43-48). Peace goes well beyond our own individual relationships. We also desire that others live in peace and believe that the levels of military spending in the name of security are idolatrous.

Participate in the Invest in the Future postcard campaign.

Order copies of the postcard for your congregation by emailing the MCC Washington Office at mccwash@mcc.org. Remember that each person can sign up to three postcards - one for each Senator, and one for his/her House representative.

Request free copies of the MCC Washington Office's study guide to the federal budget for your congregation by sending an email to mccwash@mcc.org or calling 202-544-6564.