Congressional Republicans are in the midst of a months-long effort to approve Donald Trump’s record-setting $1.5 trillion military budget. They are preparing to move the plan through several legislative steps, while conservatives demand that massive increases for the Pentagon be offset with cuts elsewhere.

One step is the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA. On July 22, the House narrowly passed their bill to authorize approximately $1.15 trillion for national defense. Senate Democrats blocked floor consideration of the NDAA, rejecting a massive handout to the Pentagon and weapons contractors while families are struggling to afford health care, housing, and food.

Republican leaders remain committed to advancing the bill.

Another step is the regular appropriations process, which provides most of the actual funding. House Republicans have already advanced a $1.072 trillion Pentagon spending bill, the largest in history, while simultaneously proposing nearly $13 billion in cuts to domestic investments. On top of this, the White House has asked for $67 billion in “emergency spending” for the Pentagon.

Finally, the House has already taken a key step to pass a budget reconciliation package. Reconciliation would allow congressional Republicans to fast-track the increase without Democratic votes in the Senate, and the House passed a budget resolution to pave the way for a $73 billion Pentagon increase via the reconciliation process with pressure from the White House.

Some conservatives say they are unwilling to approve this enormous spending increase without offsetting cuts. That puts Medicaid, SNAP, the Affordable Care Act, housing assistance, education, public health, and other programs serving low-income communities in danger once again.

Congress already cut more than $1 trillion from health care and food assistance while showering the Pentagon, ICE, and Border Patrol with additional money. Millions of people are losing benefits that help them see a doctor and put food on the table. The Pentagon, which has never passed an audit and sends more than half of its budget to corporate contractors, does not need another blank check.

This process will take months, and these votes are only the beginning. Congress must hear from us at every stage.

Click “Start Writing” to demand that Congress reject the $1.5 trillion military budget and oppose any package that cuts human needs to provide more money for the Pentagon.