Twelve Successes in the First Session of Congress
December 20, 2007
Congress turned off the lights and went home in late December after failing to challenge President Bush's failed war policies in Iraq. But as we at FCNL look back on the year, we recognize Congress has change federal government policies on several key issues that FCNL has lobbied on this year. We also know that Congress has taken some half-steps that wouldn’t have been imaginable even a year ago. At the same time, the increasingly partisan divisions as we enter an election year have blocked progress on many FCNL priorities.
Clear Wins
No New Nuclear Bomb Plant: FCNL’s Quaker Nuclear Disarmament Program led the lobbying strategy that resulted in four separate committees in Congress zeroing out funding for a new, multi-billion nuclear bomb plant. The program is effectively discontinued. More information.
Congress Reaffirms Ban on Permanent Military Bases in Iraq: For the second year in a row, Congress approved the FCNL-initiated proposal to ban the U.S. government from establishing permanent U.S. military bases in Iraq. The approval came just as President Bush revealed his plan to negotiate a long-term basing agreement. The measure was signed into law by the president as part of the 2008 military appropriations bill. More information.
No New Nuclear Weapons: FCNL’s Quaker Nuclear Disarmament Program led the lobbying strategy that resulted in Congress approving omnibus legislation which includes a provision eliminating all funding for the administration’s proposed new nuclear bomb, the “Reliable Replacement Warhead” program (RRW). The president signed the legislation just before the New Year. More information.
Congress Bans Cluster Bomb Exports: Congress approved, and the president signed, omnibus legislation which includes a one-year ban on the export of most types of cluster bombs, providing a first clear victory for FCNL’s campaign to ban cluster bombs. Congress still needs to act to approve legislation that would ban the use by U.S. forces of these weapons in civilian populated areas. More information.
Stopping Nuclear Proliferation: Congress approved omnibus legislation which increases funding for nuclear nonproliferation to more than $500 million above the president’s budget request. The money will primarily be used to secure and destroy old stockpiles of bomb-grade nuclear materials overseas. The president signed the legislation just before the New Year. More information.
Progress, But More Work to Do
Congress Takes Steps to Reduce Energy Consumption: Congress approved and the president signed an energy bill that raises vehicle fuel economy standards to 35 miles-per-gallon by 2020 – the first such increase since 1975. The legislation also sets new energy efficiency standards for lighting and for many appliances, and encourages green building construction for many government and commercial buildings. The goals set by the legislation fall far short of what is needed to quickly reduce oil dependence and greenhouse gas emissions. We at FCNL don’t know whether to cheer or cry.
Congress Boosts Money for the Poor, Students, and Native Americans: Congress approved, and the president signed, omnibus legislation which includes provisions to restore funding for programs providing home heating assistance to the poor, student aid, and supplemental nutrition for poor women, infants, and children that was cut during the last five years. The legislation also increases funding for Indian health services above the levels approved last year. More information.
Half Steps – Progress But no Change in Law Yet
Congress Says U.S. Should Start Withdrawing from Iraq: Majorities in both chambers of Congress approved legislation requiring the U.S. to begin to withdrawal most combat troops from Iraq. The president vetoed the legislation and Congress does not have the two-third majorities in both chambers required to override the veto. More information.
Senate Opposition to Attacking Iran Grows: The Bush administration has been threatening regime change in Iran since 2001, but opposition both within the administration and in Congress is growing. Although Congress approved several dangerous sanctions measures this year, 30 senators signed a letter to the president in November warning against an attack and U.S. intelligence agencies say Iran isn’t working on nuclear weapons. More information.
Rein in Government Spying: After providing the president with sweeping temporary authority in August to spy on people in the United States, the House refused to make the authority permanent and the Senate has also now delayed action on this legislation until 2008. The delay should provide more time to consider sensible legislation that would require court approval for U.S. government spying. More information.
Housing for Native Americans: The House approved the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act of 2007 (H.R. 2786) that provides housing for poor indigenous people in tribal communities and Alaskan villages. The House updated the act and authorized $624 million annually for this program designed to provide decent, safe, sanitary, affordable homes. The Senate has not yet voted. More information.
Congress Supports Health Care for Poor Children: Both houses approved (twice) legislation that would provide 4 million children of uninsured working poor families with health insurance. The assistance would go to families whose income was too high to qualify for Medicaid and too low to purchase private insurance. The president vetoed the legislation and Congress failed to override the veto. More information.
Help Us Continue our Work Next Year: FCNL has a big unfinished agenda going into 2008. Please consider making a donation to support our work during the next year.
See successes from 2006.
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