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The next
couple of months will bring quite a few crucial issues before Congress. Please
stay alert for news of them. If you want regular updates on these bills from
VFP, please join the VFP Legislative Listserve.
1. FISCAL YEAR 2016 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
ACT (NDAA)
This is a big one, setting military policy issues as
well as spending limits. President Obama has promised to veto the bill, and
Senate Democrats say they will uphold his veto, because this NDAA exceeds
spending limits set by Congress several years ago. Obama insists domestic
spending must be increased as well.
Obama has threatened to veto the NDAA
six previous years, primarily due to objections about Guantanamo Bay prisoner
transfers, but has never followed through. Here are ten reasons Obama should veto the NDAA from the Center
for Arms Control and Non-proliferation.
Call this week to tell Obama that this year you want
him to veto this bill. 202-456-1111
Tell your Democratic Senators this week that you want
them to Move The Money. Cut funding for war and war profiteers, fund our
community needs. 202-224-3121
2. VOTES ON MILITARY ACTIONS IN SYRIA, AFGHANISTAN
AND YEMEN
At this time, there is no legislation moving on U.S.
military support for wars in Syria and Yemen, or the bombing of the Doctors
Without Borders’ hospital in Afghanistan, but there is a petition calling for an independent investigation. Sign up for the Legislative Listserve to receive updates if
legislation is proposed.
Call the President and your legislators to demand an
independent investigation of the U.S. bombing of the Kunduz hospital as called
for by Doctors Without Borders and discuss why the U.S. should leave Afghanistan
immediately.
3. SUPPORT S 2009 AND HR 3445 TO BLOCK WEAPONS
SHIPMENTS TO BAHRAIN
Since the February 2011 popular uprising of the Arab
Spring, the Bahraini monarchy has been teargassing, shooting, threatening,
imprisoning, torturing, and killing pro-democracy activists. The chief ally in
this effort has been neighboring Saudi Arabia. The U.S. is the top arms supplier
to both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. We have a naval fleet docked permanently in
Bahrain and are expanding its facilities. Ask your Senators and Representatives
to co-sponsor these bills co-sponsored by Senators Ron Wyden and Marco Rubio,
and Representatives Jim McGovern, Joe Pitts, and Hank Johnson.
4. SENATE & HOUSE VACATION
SCHEDULES
Thursday, Nov. 5 – Monday, Nov. 16: House
recess
Friday, Nov. 20 – Monday, Nov. 30: Senate and House recess
Friday,
Dec. 18 – end of year: Senate and House recess
Members of Congress have
time for home visits every month. The House is out of session for all of
November. Take advantage of these times to meet in person or at town hall
events. Remember to tell them you are with Veterans For Peace.
Thank you for all you do for
peace,
Michael T. McPhearson
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