Finally a Vote on War Funding This Week
On the House calendar for this week is a vote on a $33 billion supplemental bill to escalate the war in Afghanistan. The Senate did not accept the House version (passed without a vote on July 1st). The House will likely now vote on the Senate version or something close to it. This will likely mean something quite unusual: a straightforward vote in which yes means yes more war, and no means no.
Whether we block the bill or not, we will now be able to identify clearly and unambiguously the war supporters and war opponents. They will need to be punished and rewarded while they’re home for August and at the polls in November. If the majority of Democrats vote against the war funds, we will be able to point out that opposition from the President’s own party. And the closer we come to defeating the bill the more we will have to build on as the peace movement joins with the labor and civil rights movements this fall.
Our message is simple:
Vote no on funding this escalation of war, regardless of whether it’s a procedural vote, and regardless of any good measures attached to it.
FCNL has a toll-free number to call your representative: 1-888-493-5443, or use the standard number (202) 224-3121.
Pull U.S. Troops Out of Pakistan
The House is expected to debate and vote on Tuesday on a privileged resolution (HCR 301) introduced by Congressmen Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul to remove U.S. forces from Pakistan. The resolution directs the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Pakistan. On this one we want to ask for Yes votes.
Call Congress (202) 224-3121.
