Van Hollen Statement on Defense Department Move to Dismantle Civilian Harm Mitigation Tools

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding reports that the Trump Administration is moving to dismantle civilian harm mitigation efforts at the Department of Defense:

“The Trump Administration is dismantling the system put in place to help ensure U.S. weapons are used and U.S. operations are conducted in a way that limits civilian harm. By revoking these policies, we increase the risk that U.S. weapons are deployed in a manner that undermines our interests and values – ultimately posing a greater threat to our national security. Americans should be ashamed. This move follows a disgraceful pattern of Trump efforts to tear down policies that safeguard American values – including the Administration’s decision to rescind NSM-20 and fire apolitical JAGs who provide independent legal advice to prevent the misuse of American weapons.”