Dear All, As I wrote you last week, the House is taking up its version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) this week.  This is one of the few times that Congress votes on issues we care about.  Votes may start as early as this afternoon and continue through Thursday afternoon. Please call (202) 224-3121 and ask for your Representative (or give the operator your zip code to be directed) and say: "My name is _______ and I am a constituent.  I am calling to request that Rep. _______ support amendments to the NDAA that cut Pentagon spending without affecting veterans benefits and that end the Afghanistan war as soon as possible.  Thank you.” War and Pentagon funding continues to make up nearly half of U.S. discretionary spending.  That fails to represent our values and creates budget shortfalls for job creation, education and other human needs. Take a moment now to call your Representative. Though we won’t know what amendments will be voted onuntil late this evening, we expect amendments that will: *End the Afghanistan War as soon as possible — it’s time to bring all troops and contractors home and to not leave any behind after this year. Remove hawkish language that could block a diplomatic agreement with Iran *Cut the Overseas Contingency Operations slush fund — Last year it funded some $30 billion of unrelated items. *Cut the F-35 — the most expensive plane and Pentagon project in history. *Audit the Pentagon — The Pentagon is the only part of the Government that cannot pass an audit. *Reduce Generals' Pensions — currently they are allowed to make MORE in retirement than when working. *Cut the M1 Abrams Tank — the Pentagon doesn’t even want it. *Reduce the Nuclear Triad — we cannot afford to upgrade all the nuclear weapon delivery systems while we significantly reduce our stockpile. *Cut overseas military bases and support a Base Realignment and Closure Commission — There are over 1,000 U.S. military bases abroad including those in countries who can afford their own security.  Within the U.S. there are bases that the Pentagon doesn’t want. Please take time NOW to CALL your Representative (202) 224-3121 to cut the Pentagon budget so we can afford other priorities like job creation, education and infrastructure.  Use the phone number and script above.  Then, please forward this email to your friends. Humbly for peace,