U.S. Congress increases support for landmine clearance

Fiscal year 2021 appropriations package

On December 21st, Congress passed its long-awaited fiscal year 2021 appropriations package, funding government programs through September 2021.

This budget brings us closer to achieving a mine-free world! The State and Foreign Operations section of the appropriations package includes $233.85 million for humanitarian demining and weapons security programs. This represents an increase of $6.3 million over last year’s allocation—allowing demining organizations to continue to keep families safe worldwide.

Congress also directed $40 million to programs to address unexploded ordnance in Laos, compared to $37.5 million allocated last year. Countries with heavy landmine contamination, such as Angola, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka, will also see increased support for humanitarian demining.

Furthermore, the U.S. Army's Humanitarian Research and Development Program will be funded at an increased level of $17 million, ensuring that innovative demining technology will be applied in the field - helping us save lives.

These gains would not be possible without your support. Thank you to all of you that let your Members of Congress know you care about humanitarian demining!

You can see the full bill text here. State and Foreign Operations report text can be found here, and Defense report text can be found here.