Time for Action on Pentagon Budget Cuts

Now is the time for action

This is a critical and historic political moment. For the first time that anyone at FCNL can remember, legislation requiring a significant reduction in Pentagon spending has become law. In the summer of 2011, Congress approved and the president signed legislation, the Budget Control Act of 2011, that requires planned Pentagon spending to be reduced by about $1 trillion over the next 10 years.

The question is, will Congress let these cuts stand? Here in Washington, we are seeing a powerful pushback against the $1 trillion in Pentagon spending reductions. FCNL’s Executive Committee has identified the push to preserve Pentagon cuts as a priority. Earlier this month, the Executive Committee approved the enclosed minute and call to action. Please take this minute to your monthly meeting or church, discuss it among Friends at your yearly meeting annual session, and find a way for your community to participate.

The actions that you and others take between June and November could make a big difference. Lobby visits in your state, your phone calls, letters to the editor and organizing of public events could help persuade senators and representatives to maintain the planned cuts in Pentagon spending.

For information, please see our action suggestions or call (800) 630-1330.

What can I do?

• Come to FCNL’s first Quaker Public Policy Institute, November 15-16, in Washington, DC.
• Lobby in your home district with friends and neighbors.
• Visit Washington and lobby on Capitol Hill.
• Write letters to the editor throughout the summer on the budget, naming your elected officials when possible.
• Ask a public question at a town hall meeting or event hosted by your elected official or candidates for office.
• Become a coordinator of letter writing events focused on preserving Pentagon budget cuts.

For more ideas or if you have questions, please call Katherine Philipson at (800) 630-1330.