Bill strengthens assistance efforts in humanitarian removal of land mines

WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) led his colleagues in introducing the Conventional Weapons Destruction and Legacy of Senator Patrick Leahy Act, a new bill to honor Senator Welch’s predecessor, Senator Patrick Leahy, for his tireless advocacy over more than three decades to clear landmines and other unexploded ordnance (UXO), as well as obtain funding for humanitarian demining and for the work of eliminating and securing conventional weapons.  

“My predecessor, Senator Patrick Leahy, was a leading voice who shaped U.S. and global policy across so many important humanitarian and national security issues. Chief among them was his fight to end the use of landmines and cluster munitions. He worked in a pragmatic way to assist innocent victims of conflict and to protect civilians in war, and Vermont will be forever proud and grateful. This bill will continue that fight and honor his impressive legacy,” said Senator Welch.  

Landmines and other UXO pose grave threats to civilian populations globally and hinder recovery efforts in areas of conflict and war. Senator Leahy championed a fund for civilian victims of armed conflict in 1989 which became the “Leahy War Victims Fund,” the first ban on the export of anti-personnel landmines in 1992, and contributed significantly to the international campaign that culminated in the Ottawa Treaty (also known as the Mine Ban Treaty) — now signed by 164 nations. Senator Leahy served as Chair or Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs for more than 30 years.   

Senator Welch was joined in introducing the Conventional Weapons Destruction and Legacy of Senator Patrick Leahy Act by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.). Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representative Ami Bera (D-CA-06).  

“I’ve met with landmine survivors and seen up close and personal the carnage these unexploded ordnances continue to inflict long after a conflict ends,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to work with my colleagues to honor my friend Senator Leahy and his legacy of tireless advocacy to protect innocent civilians from these remnants of war and lead the charge in demining efforts. This legislation builds on his legacy and strengthens our commitment to clearing these dangers and keeping communities safe.” 

“Mines and unexploded ordinance are a terrible legacy of war, one that lasts long after the guns fall silent. Senator Leahy knew this and dedicated himself to protecting innocent people from this scourge. It’s up to us to continue that critical work,” said Senator Sanders. 

“I’m proud to cosponsor this important bill that will assist in the removal of landmines and unexplored ordnance in conflict zones,” said Senator Booker. “We must follow in Senator Leahy’s footsteps and redouble our efforts to protect civilians and lead humanitarian and recovery efforts around the world.” 

“The great Senator Leahy was persistent in his dedication to protecting human rights,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Removing unexploded mines was an issue Senator Leahy long championed, and I’m very glad to join Senator Welch in this effort to save innocent lives in areas of the world recovering from conflict.” 

“Senator Leahy was – and remains – devoted to healing the wounds of war. This bill advances this important work and supports post-conflict recovery efforts across the globe—ensuring the U.S. remains a leader in addressing this threat to innocent civilians worldwide,” said Senator Merkley. 

“Landmines can cause severe harm or death to civilians—especially children—long after a conflict has ended. I am proud to cosponsor this crucial legislation to bolster U.S. humanitarian efforts related to demining, clearing other unexploded ordinances, and securing conventional weapons that could pose a threat to Americans overseas,” said Senator Kaine. “I am also pleased to join Senator Welch and other colleagues of mine in praising former Senator Leahy’s decades of leadership on this issue.” 

“Landmines and explosive remnants of war continue to endanger innocent lives and impede communities’ recovery long after conflicts have ended,” said Representative Ami Bera, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific. “This legislation builds on Senator Leahy’s decades of leadership by highlighting efforts to clear landmines, return land to productive use, and deliver life-saving risk education. These programs not only save lives but also help communities rebuild, strengthen food security, create jobs, and promote global stability and security.” 

The Conventional Weapons Destruction and Legacy of Senator Patrick Leahy Act:  

• Acknowledges Senator Leahy’s instrumental role in championing humanitarian causes, including efforts to rid the world of land mines.  
• Recognizes the grave threats posed by land mines and explosive remnants of war to the safety, health, and lives of civilian populations. 
• Emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safe return of affected populations to their land, facilitating agricultural productivity, and integrating demining efforts with broader assistance programs. 
• Highlights the significant assistance provided by the United States in conventional weapons destruction globally—exceeding $4.6 billion since 1993, and aiding over 120 countries.  
• Amends the Department of State Authorities Act of 2006 to clarify the purposes of assistance related to humanitarian demining and conventional weapons elimination or securing activities. This bill provides a framework for more effective and coordinated assistance efforts, ensuring that resources are directed towards initiatives that have a tangible impact on humanitarian and security outcomes. 

Learn more about the Conventional Weapons Destruction and Legacy of Senator Patrick Leahy Act. 

Read the full text of the bill. 

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