Subject: U.S. 90 Day Freeze on Foreign Aid
To: Hon. Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
cc: The White House
From: U.S. Veterans
Dear Honorable Secretary Rubio:
We, as veterans who have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of war, write to urge the immediate reversal of the 90 Day Stop Work order for U.S. foreign assistance programming, specifically the suspension of U.S. funded demining programs. This decision jeopardizes vital, life-saving demining operations and undermines U.S. national security interests. An immediate waiver for these programs is essential to resume this critical work.
The suspension of demining programs around the world will have dire consequences, potentially reversing decades of progress, endanger lives, and disrupt relations with our allies. This halt weakens our strategic partnerships and creates a vacuum that our adversaries, like China and Russia, are eager to fill.
Demining work is not charity; it's a critical component of U.S. national security and foreign policy. By clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), the United States strengthens its relationships with strategically important nations like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. This support fosters stability and prosperity, making these countries less susceptible to the influence of our adversaries. Cleared land becomes available for agriculture, infrastructure, and economic development, reducing reliance on foreign aid and empowering these nations to become stronger, more self-sufficient partners. This, in turn, benefits the United States by expanding markets and bolstering regional security.
Furthermore, demining mitigates a significant security threat by preventing explosives from falling into the wrong hands, contributing to regional instability and violence. Unexploded ordnance also poses a direct threat to U.S. personnel, contractors, and aid workers operating in these areas. Continuing these programs is a direct investment in the safety and security of Americans.
Many of us have served alongside the brave local professionals who work tirelessly in dangerous conditions to clear landmines and UXO, restoring vital land for peaceful use. Halting this work undermines our commitment to those who maintain the security and safety of communities where we served, many of which still face the daily threat of landmines and UXO.
In particular, the partnership between the U.S. and Southeast Asia, built in part through honesty and tangible progress in addressing war legacy issues. Mine action programs have been instrumental in healing past wounds, fostering reconciliation, deepening cooperation in the areas of security and defense and economic growth, and strengthening people-to-people ties.
As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the normalization of U.S.-Vietnam relations and the 40th anniversary of U.S.-Laos collaboration on recovering Missing in Action personnel, we recognize the profound progress made. Continuing support for demining and other development initiatives solidifies these relationships, promoting peace, stability, and U.S. influence in the region, countering the narratives and actions of our adversaries. A prosperous and secure Southeast Asia is in America’s best interest.
This is a matter of the highest strategic importance for U.S. national security and global stability. We implore you to prioritize this issue and allow these vital programs to continue immediately. Reinstating funding for these programs will demonstrate your commitment to a safer, stronger, and more prosperous America, while effectively countering the influence of our adversaries.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this pressing matter.
Michael L. Burton, Colonel, USAF (ret)
Donald Roger Super, U.S.Army SP5
Marlene M. Varga SFC, (Ret) US Army
Curt Loop, Major General, USA (ret)
Launie A. O’Leary CW3 (Retired, U.S. Army)
Rodney D. Williams, Captain, USAF (Ret)
Richard C. Marr, Maj Gen USAF (ret)
Larry Smith, Colonel, USA (ret)
Angelica 'Angel' Pilato, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.), Ph.D.
Larry Schwab MD, Captain, Medical Corps, US Army, Vietnam service
