United Church of Christ Office of Public Policy and Advocacy Logo
As You File Your Taxes, Say Yes to Peace

The president recently pledged the first ever $1 trillion defense budget. Congress, meanwhile, is working off the same script as they work to pass a budget reconciliation bill that authorizes more than $100 billion in defense spending. Congress' current budget proposal, in addition to President Trump's exorbitant defense budget promises for FY26, is on track to raise the defense budget to over $1 trillion. 

Instead of using our tax dollars to turn swords into plowshares and meet the daily needs of the American people and those suffering abroad, Congress and the President are further militarizing our country and the world with weapons that in some cases are being used in violation of human rights and in contravention of US law. 

As a faith community dedicated to a just peace, this is a morally unjustifiable decision. Matthew 5:9 and Romans 12:18 call us in pursuit of peace. We are called to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and love our neighbor. Loving our neighbors does not mean we use our tax dollars to perpetuate global violence or make decisions on how to spend our federal budget with an intent of lethality.” 

Our faithful call to be peacemakers is grounded not only in scripture, but through research and experience. In this time of fear and global disharmony, it is of the utmost importance that we pursue peace. Unfortunately, many of our methods of peacemaking as a country have already been greatly reduced or dismantled, causing further disharmony and resentment of our global community towards the United States. USAID, the U.S. Institute of Peace, and many programs under the Department of State were peacemaking programs that cost far less than $1 trillion but do more for national security than $1 trillion of weapons would. 

We need to say no to our hard-earned tax dollars being used to further endanger us and our global neighbors, tell Congress to vote NO on any reconciliation bill that prioritizes weapons and war.

Write
Post
Call
    Subject
    Message Body
    Post
    Suggested Message
    Post
    Remaining: 0
  • Hide
    • Please call this number:

      Compose Your Message
        • US Senators
          • US Representative
                Subject
                Message Body
                Compose Your Message
                  • US Senators
                    • US Representative
                          Post
                          Place Phone Call
                                    Please do not close this window. You will need to come back to this window to enter your code.
                                    We just sent an email to ... containing a verification code.

                                    If you do not see the email within the next five minutes, please ensure you entered the correct email address and check your spam/junk mail folder.
                                    Enter Your Info
                                    Your Information
                                    Home Information  
                                    Enter Zip for City and State
                                    *



                                    Contact Us

                                     
                                    100 Maryland Ave. NE, Suite 330, Washington, DC 20002
                                    ucc.org| 202.716.2888
                                     
                                    © 2025 United Church of Christ Office of Public Policy and Advocacy