|
December 12, 2006
Despite the odds, FCNL’s grassroots and direct lobbying achieved significant successes in the second session of the 109th Congress, which ended December 9. This summary seeks to identify steps Congress took in 2006 toward the world we seek. In all of FCNL’s work, we measure our successes in small steps and count among our achievements the times when generating debate stalled congressional action on unsound legislation until another year. We at FCNL are also encouraged by the many members of Congress who asked tough questions and persuaded their colleagues to block passage of dangerous legislation.
Banning Permanent U.S. Military Bases in Iraq
After two failed attempts, Congress approved not one but two provisions barring funding for permanent U.S. military bases in Iraq. Both the military appropriations and the military authorization bills included clauses barring the Pentagon from spending money in fiscal year 2007 to establish permanent bases in Iraq or to control Iraq’s oil resources. The president signed both bills. These provisions, which echo FCNL’s Iraq STEP proposal, send an important signal that United States does not intend to permanently occupy Iraq. More about FCNL's Iraq program...
Stalling Legislation to Legalize Domestic Spying
The administration and congressional leaders made several attempts to pass legislation that would legalize the president’s illegal domestic spying program and allow the government to spy on telephone and email communications of people in the U.S. who are not suspected of any crime. These proposals generated opposition from military leaders, retired diplomats, and civil liberties advocates. FCNL constituents amplified these voices of opposition and helped to create a debate that stalled sweeping new laws that would have legalized domestic spying. More on FCNL's work on domestic spying....
Blocking Confirmation of John Bolton as Ambassador to the UN
The Senate refused again in late 2006 to approve the president’s decision to send a U.S. ambassador to the United Nations who does not value the work of the world body. When Congress refused to confirm John Bolton’s nomination in 2005, the Bush administration sent him to the United Nations anyway under a temporary appointment. After the second rejection by the Senate in 2006, Bolton announced he would resign. FCNL has opposed Bolton’s nomination because of his record of undermining the work of the United Nations. Read FCNL's statement on the future of U.S.-U.N. relations...
Funding Peacemaking and Aid in Darfur
As violence has escalated in Darfur, FCNL has been a key voice for identifying legislative measures that could persuade the U.S. to take a more active role in stopping the genocide. Congress responded by passing the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act, legislation that uses economic and political means to pressure the government of Sudan to end this genocide. In the face of continuing violence, lawmakers also approved millions of dollars in additional funding to support the African Union Mission in Sudan.
Preserving Native Languages
In early December Congress approved legislation that will help preserve a core part of the cultural heritage of the United States and ensure the survival of the languages spoken by the first Americans. FCNL joined with Native Americans in lobbying for the Esther Martinez Native American Language Preservation Act of 2006. That legislation is now awaiting President Bush’s signature.
Renewing the Voting Rights Act
Congress renewed key provisions of the Voting Rights Act in July without harmful amendments, despite last-minute attempts to weaken this landmark civil rights legislation that protects the rights of all citizens to vote for candidates of their choosing. FCNL worked with constituents in key congressional districts to lobby members of Congress. President Bush signed the renewal into law on July 27.
Supporting a Ban on New Landmines
Senators Patrick Leahy (VT) and Arlen Specter (PA) introduced legislation in August 2006 that could block Pentagon efforts to develop and produce the first new U.S. victim-activated antipersonnel landmines in nearly a decade. In just three months, the legislation attracted 16 bipartisan cosponsors, providing an important hurdle for new landmine production. FCNL is the current national coordinator of the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines and is working to build support in the new Congress for this important legislation. Find out more about FCNL's landmines program...
Questioning and Conditioning the U.S.-India Nuclear Deal
Congress voted final approval in early December for legislation that would advance a deal to provide nuclear fuel and technology to India by weakening the Atomic Energy Act. But nuclear nonproliferation advocates attached language that would void the deal, if India conducts a nuclear test. Commentators in India have protested the no testing provision, but the president will sign this legislation. The president must now negotiate an implementing agreement with India, and Congress will have another opportunity to block the agreement then.
Funding Programs for Safeguarding Nuclear Weapons Material
For the first time in more than 10 years, members of the House of Representatives voted on the House floor to support an arms control amendment to secure nuclear weapons materials and help prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. The amendment to the House energy and water appropriations bill would have increased funding for nonproliferation programs by $27.8 million. The vote was an important symbolic step, although the legislation did not become law.
Calling for Green Standards for Federal Buildings
After visiting FCNL’s newly renovated green building on Capitol Hill, Sen. Jim Jeffords (VT) introduced legislation that would require the federal government to set green environmental and energy efficiency standards for the thousands of federal buildings across the country. The bill gained 11 bipartisan cosponsors before Congress adjourned at the end of September. Though this bill did not pass this Congress, it highlighted the debate on energy dependence and the government’s ability to lead the initiative for change.
Please check back for more updates on specific issues. And thank you for your participation and financial support.
|
