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Pentagon Moves to Cut Civilian Harm Plan, Defies Law

5/16/2026

Center

Pentagon Cuts Program

May 2026 report said the Pentagon proposed cutting the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, violating a congressional mandate.
On May 15 2026, the House Armed Services Committee questioned Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Gen Christopher LaNeve on the program’s status.
Rep Adam Smith said the Defense Department violated federal law by defunding the civilian-harm initiative.
Driscoll attributed program disruptions to organizational restructuring rather than an intentional dismantling.

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Pentagon Cuts Program

The Pentagon inspector general said the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence is a shell lacking budget, staff and data platform.
Pentagon officials confirmed the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response program’s funding and personnel have been eliminated, weakening battle-space awareness.
Rep. Jason Crow warned that losing support in Iraq and Afghanistan threatens long-term military success.
Rep. Sara Jacobs said the cuts endanger civilians, waste munitions and damage allies, urging reversal.

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Pentagon Cuts Program

May 2026 report said the Pentagon proposed cutting the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, violating a congressional mandate.
On May 15 2026, the House Armed Services Committee questioned Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Gen Christopher LaNeve on the program’s status.
Rep Adam Smith said the Defense Department violated federal law by defunding the civilian-harm initiative.
Driscoll attributed program disruptions to organizational restructuring rather than an intentional dismantling.

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