Democratic Leadership

Cost of War in Iraq

Cities For Progress

COngressional Progressive Caucus

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Lynn Woolsey (CA-09)

Become a supporter of the Common Sense Budget Act!

“…We must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.” – President Dwight D. Eisenhower, January 17, 1961.

The warning given to us by President Eisenhower in his farewell address to the nation has come to pass.  Over fifty percent of our federal budget goes to the Pentagon, with trillions of dollars unaccounted for by Sec. Rumsfeld’s own admission.  It’s time to set our budget priorities straight and hold the Pentagon accountable for every penny they get.

Dr. Lawrence Korb, former Assistant Secretary of Defense under President Reagan, has identified $60 billion in Cold War Era programs that are no longer needed in today’s military.  The Common Sense Budget Act redistributes this $60 billion to programs that are not only needed, but also reinvests in our districts at a higher rate than military spending. 

These programs are:

  • $10 billion to modernize and rebuild every public school.
  • $12 billion for health insurance for every child in America and medical research
  • $10 billion to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
  • $13 billion for world-wide humanitarian relief.
  • $5 billion to improve homeland security.
  • $5 billion in deficit reduction.
  • $5 billion for job training programs.


Let’s strengthen our nation with responsible spending that benefits all Americans, while keeping our nation’s defenses strong. 

Lynn C. Woolsey, M.C.   Barbara Lee, M.C.   Jerrold Nadler, M.C.    

Current Original Cosponsors:  Reps. Conyers, Danny Davis, Grijalva, Honda, Jackson-Lee, Kucinich, William Lacy Clay, Lee, McDermott, McGovern, McKinney, Nadler, Owens, Schakowsky, Stark