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Click here for the Congressional Schedule
PDA members are invited to join a conference call facilitated by PDA Advisory Board Member, Rev. Lennox Yearwood, focusing on efforts to rebuild New Orleans following the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. Rev. Yearwood has been on the ground in New Orleans and will provide up-dates and possible avenues for PDA member involvement in future efforts.
Wednesday, January 25
8:15 p.m. EST
Call-In Number: 641-297-4600
Access Code: 626860
CD Point People (and those interested in learning more about the commitment) are welcome to self-select which of the following calls to join this week:
CD Point People in RED states are invited to join us for a call on Tuesday, January 24.
CD Point People in BLUE states are invited to join us for a call on Thursday, January 26.
If you are interested in being a CD Point Person, please see details.
On our calls this week, we'll:
We still have one week before Congress reconvenes. That means there is one more week for you to let your Congress Person hear from you before he/she returns to Washington. There's still time to call their local office and schedule a meeting directly with your Congress Person or his/her legislative aide. If you're unable to schedule a meeting, attend a community event or town hall meeting at which they'll be speaking and demand that they address the issue of the Iraq War. And don't forget the power of letters to editor and of old-fashioned congressional office protests. Raise the issue in whatever way you are able!
In your face-to-face meetings, letters, protests, etc., be sure to challenge your Congressperson to do the following:
H.R.4232 would allow Defense Dept. funds to be used only to provide for:
In addition, the bill would not prohibit or restrict non-defense funding to carry out reconstruction in Iraq.
1. Why are there no dates, timelines or deadlines?
There are no specific dates in the bill to give it longevity. For example, H.J.Res 55 calls for the President to announce a plan for withdrawal of troops from Iraq by December 31, 2005 – after that date, the bill will have to be rewritten.
2. When would the bill take effect?
As soon as the bill is signed into law, the DoD will not be able to use funds to deploy armed forces in Iraq.
3. Does this bill abandon our troops, leave them stranded in Iraq?
Rep. McGovern’s office worked closely with the Legislative Counsel* to craft a bill that would ensure the safety of the troops. Specifically, the bill calls for funds to "provide for the safe and orderly withdrawal of the Armed Forces from Iraq". The DoD will be responsible for planning and implementing a safe and orderly withdrawal.
*Legislative Counsel is the non-partisan office that helps members of Congress write their bills to ensure that the bills accomplish what the member intends, using the appropriate language.
4. Is this a "cut and run" bill?
No, this bill recognizes that the very presence of U.S. troops is fueling the insurgency and increasing violence. But the bill also recognizes that the U.S. has an obligation to Iraq and allows for the use of defense funds to:
ensure the security of Iraq and the transition to democratic rule by--
(A) carrying out consultations with the Government of Iraq, other foreign governments, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the United Nations, and other international organizations; or
(B) providing financial assistance or equipment to Iraqi security forces and international forces in Iraq.
In addition, the bill recognizes the importance of reconstruction :
(c) Rule of Construction- Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit or otherwise restrict the use of funds available to any department or agency of the Government of the United States (other than the Department of Defense) to carry out social and economic reconstruction activities in Iraq.
5. Won’t this bill hurt the morale of our troops?
The Bush Administration sent our neighbors, friends and relatives into a war based on manipulated intelligence, without adequate planning, or equipment, and they are refusing to say how or when the mission will end. It is time they stop using our troops as human shields for their failed policies. This bill simply recognizes that it is time for the troops to come home – which should boost morale.
