Iraq: Write Letters to the Editor on House Victory, Need for Senate Action
Thanks to your remarkable grassroots messages, the House amended the Iraq war supplemental spending legislation last week to say: "None of the funds in this Act may be used by the U.S. government to enter into a basing rights agreement between the United States and Iraq." Now we need to persuade the Senate to uphold this sensible requirement for no permanent U.S. military presence in Iraq.
The need for Senate action was underlined this week when President Bush declared that U.S. troops will not leave Iraq as long as he is in office. The U.S. occupation of Iraq has been repeatedly described by the president as temporary, a preparation for the restoration of full sovereignty. But the temporary occupation is now entering its fourth year, with no end in sight. The president’s declaration made headlines in Iraq and in the United States, confirming the worst fears of many Iraqis that the U.S. is planning a long term presence in Iraq.
But watching the continuing violence in Iraq, Congress is beginning to argue for a change in U.S. policy. Three weeks ago most members of Congress were telling FCNL lobbyists that there was little chance of a vote, let alone discussion, about disengaging from the fighting in Iraq, bringing troops home, and leaving no permanent bases in Iraq. Three weeks is a long time in U.S. politics. The indicators and the conversations in Washington now reflect the public consensus: bring U.S. troops home and no bases – permanent or enduring or any other adjective. Read more about the House vote to prohibit permanent bases.
Now we must persuade the Senate to act. The Senate should support the House action and add a provision declaring that U.S. policy is to withdrawal all U.S. military troops and bases from Iraq. FCNL expects that the full Senate will vote, in early April, on the supplemental funding legislation which includes the House language. On Mach 19, the lead editorial in the Des Moines (Iowa) Register called for a timetable for withdrawing all U.S. troops. Some Members of Congress tell FCNL that newspaper editorials and letters to the editors are a very effective mechanism for influencing Congress.
Take Action Now
Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper calling for your senators, by name, to change U.S. policy in Iraq. The Senate could attach a resolution to the Iraq war “supplemental” spending bill stating “it is the policy of the United States to withdraw all U.S. military troops and bases from Iraq” and initiating steps for a withdrawal this year. You can at one find talking points and submit a letter to the editor of your local newspapers.
Urge your Senators to support efforts to redirect funds from war fighting and occupation to multilateral and Iraqi civil agencies for reconstruction and stabilization.
Contacting Legislators
Contact your members of Congress through FCNL's web site.
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
Sen. ________
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Rep. ________
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Contacting the Administration
Contact the President through FCNL's web site.
White House Comment Desk:
202 456-1111
Fax: 202-456-2461
White House web site
President George W. Bush
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
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