Tell the House to Support the People Over Pentagon Act (H.R. 1134)

National budgets are moral documents. They are a testament to national priorities. (2016 Book of Resolutions, #6129). Alarming portions of U.S. resources are devoted to military spending.

United Methodists believe that war is incompatible with the teachings and example of Christ. We believe that human values must outweigh military claims as governments determine their priorities; that the militarization of society must be challenged and stopped; that the manufacture, sale and deployment of armaments must be reduced and controlled; and that the production, possession, or use of nuclear weapons be condemned (United Methodist Social Principles ¶165.C). Scripture calls Christians to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21) and to seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34:14).

Congress has increased the U.S. defense budget every year since 2015, allocating funding annually that is well beyond the amounts requested by defense experts.  Most of this increased spending does not go to U.S. service members; instead more than half of the military budget is allocated for weapons purchases from for-profit defense contractors.  The People Over Pentagon Act (H.R. 1134), introduced February 22, 2023 in the House of Representatives, proposes cutting $100 billion from the military budget. .

We call on Congress to pass the People Over Pentagon Act and to reapportion national revenue to prioritize domestic programs. We support programs that increase the quality of educational offerings in public school systems, improve access to health care for all, create affordable housing, and support creation of employment opportunities and training programs (2016 Book of Resolutions, #4061).

By using the form below, you can make it clear to the House of Representatives that this is an issue important to United Methodist constituents.