Letters, emails and whatever else you can do to take action, really do help!
Iraq: House Votes Down War Funds
Your lobby visits, emails, and phone calls are making a difference!
Yesterday, 149 members of Congress said "no" to more funding for war. Please take a moment right now to thank your member of Congress if he or she voted against new funding for the president's failed war strategy in Iraq.
Equally important, if your representative didn't oppose the war funding, write a short letter now asking her or him to vote no when this bill comes back to the House for another vote sometime in the next few weeks.
Congress is finally getting the message that a majority of the people in this country want the war to end. But that may not result in Congress's voting to cut off funding. The victory Thursday was made possible in part because a large block of supporters of the war decided to sit out this vote, simply voting "present."
Take Action
Congress needs to know that you are watching.
Write your representative today to thank her or him if she was one of the 149 legislators who voted no. If your representative did not vote no, let her or him know you are disappointed.
Find out more about FCNL's Iraq Peace Campaign.
Find out how your representative voted.
And this from yesterday:
You did it. Just a few minutes ago, the House of Representatives passed the new GI Bill by a vote of 256-166, as an attachment to the emergency supplemental. Click here to view the full list of who voted for it and who voted against it.Earlier this week, we told you that the new GI Bill was facing opposition from a small group of Representatives in the House, who were threatening the bill despite its deep bi-partisan support.
We asked for your help, and you stepped up to the plate. Thousands of you took action by calling your Representatives, signing the petition at http://www.gibill2008.org/, and spreading the word to your friends and neighbors. Today, your dedication paid off and together, we made history.
There's no question that your efforts had an impact. Referring specifically to the group of Representatives that were standing in the way of the bill, known as the Blue Dogs, the Politico, a Washington-insider newspaper, said that "there had been erosion among Blue Dogs in the face of pressure from veterans groups."1 The leadership you demonstrated in fighting for this bill shows that IAVA is a force to be reckoned with.
The new GI Bill has widespread support among Democrats, Republicans, and all of the major veterans organizations. But the legislative process is a long one, and it's your dedication that keeps it going during these crucial stages.
Next week, the Senate will have to vote on the bill as well. After that, it will go to the President's desk for his signature.
We'll keep you updated via email, but for the latest news, just visit http://www.gibill2008.org/.Thank you again for standing with us. The support we're getting in this fight has been truly inspiring.
Sincerely,
Patrick CampbellIraq VeteranLegislative DirectorIraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
1. Politico: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0508/10331.html
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6 days ago
Thank you so much for all you do. To push progess forward. And to keep us all aware.
ReplyDeleteI second that.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness my rep voted for the GI Bill. I had my doubts.
You are on a roll with three pieces of good news in a row. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteThe war funding bill is a bit baffling. I had not heard about it until reading it here, and information is not readily visible out there on the major news sites. It seems that would be big news and be splashed all over the place. What am I missing...?
Dianne: I really only do a fraction of what I wish I could do. With email, it's much easier. But I really should be writing leters to the editor of my local paper and I'm less brave about that.
ReplyDeleteBobbie: My rep also voted for it but he's very liberal. I still do it anyway and put things up here so that people who less in less progressive areas but think progressively can make contact with their elected officials. It's the least I can do.
Winston,
You're so right! I get these mailings from orgs I subscribe to, otherwise I'm not sure I'd know what's going on either. I'm not much into TV but I did watch Olbermann the other night and he had a guest on, a man from a vet's organization, who was discussing the GI bill. Otherwise, you have to look for it; which is frustrating and a cryin' shame.
Bush is against the new GI Bill. No one is surprised.
I couldn't find how Larson voted, but he's a part of the Leadership & a majority of CT's delegation went against.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, it's good news.
O/T: I came here to invite ya to see grandson pictures, including Mr. new guy, who now has a name (yea!): Carter Reid.
pagan sphinx: Love the action alerts. Am I corrupting you? *wink*
ReplyDeleteI put up one from Peace Action West telling our Senators to vote against war funding. It's great to see that so many peace groups have not sold out, contrary to some claims on the left.
libhom: You're not corrupting me (chuckle) but you have influencing me and in such a positive way. Yours is one of the first blogs I started reading and I thank you for all YOU do, which has had an influence on my own blogging. It all started with the blogswarm...
ReplyDelete