Action Alert forwarded from Friends Committee on National Legislation

Next Steps to Stop the War

We try not to send you more than one legislative action message in a single week, but this is an extraordinary circumstance.

Last night, Congress finished action on the single largest war funding bill since the Iraq war began. This legislation provides $162 billion in additional funding for the president's failed war strategies in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill that Congress is sending the president will keep the U.S. war machine rolling at least until March 2009.

What's the good news? A record 155 representatives voted against new funding for the war. These votes were not sufficient to force a change in policy, but the House did manage to slip into the legislation a renewal of the ban on permanent U.S. military bases in Iraq that FCNL has championed since 2005. Representatives also included a requirement that the administration provide detailed plans for how and when the U.S. will close down military bases in Iraq.

What now? We at FCNL will be working with Congress to pass legislation requiring a new U.S. policy in Iraq-one that prevents the current administration from locking the United States into a long term military presence. Congress could have several opportunities this summer to lay the groundwork for such a policy. We believe this policy should set a date certain for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq and establish a comprehensive U.S. regional diplomatic strategy in the region that is essential for ending the war.

Take Action

Help begin the work for a new policy by contacting your representative today. Let him or her know you are disappointed that Congress has approved more money for war, and urge your representative to support legislation establishing the basis for a new U.S. policy that could end the war. You'll see a different sample letter depending on how your representative voted.

Background

$864,000,000,000: That's how much money Congress has now approved for the failed war strategies in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Find out how your representative voted on the war money vote.

Find out how your senators voted on the war money vote.