E-News: Afghanistan, Pentagon Spending in the Spotlight
7/24/2012
Afghanistan, Pentagon Spending in the Spotlight
Your advocacy is getting through. Last week 15 members of Congress -- both Democrats and Republicans -- stood on the House floor for 90 minutes and demanded an end to the war in Afghanistan. We've come a long way since this war seemed untouchable. Watch excerpts from the speeches, and see more of Matt Southworth's analysis of the $608 billion military spending package that passed the House and why it means you need to keep lobbying for military cuts.
As part of the bills, representatives approved an amendment that would cut $1.1 billion from the bill. While very modest -- in one year the Pentagon loses or wastes more than $100 billion -- the vote on this reduction is an opportunity for you to talk to your representative about why you support deeper cuts in the Pentagon budget. Find out how your rep. voted and respond.
What's New
This summer, talk to your senators about military spending -- with a pie! Be part of the Quaker Peace Pie Initiative. See recipes, pictures, and more about how you can serve budget pie, and send us your pie recipe.- What would help you promote Pentagon budget cuts? Take 3 minutes to take this survey.
- Yearly meetings say cut Pentagon spending. North Pacific and Western Yearly Meeting Quakers last week approved this minute calling on Friends to lobby their members of Congress. Can you encourage your meeting, church, or peace group to take similar action?
- Feeling social? Share this image on Facebook to raise awareness about the trade-offs we make by having a bloated Pentagon budget. Then like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter.
- Setback for the Law of the Sea treaty: 34 senators have said they oppose the treaty, enough to block ratification of this critical tool to peacefully resolve conflicts on the high seas. Find out what's next.
- Welcome to Mark Antonucci, our newest FCNL staff member.
- Lobbying works: 97 percent of congressional staff surveyed by the Congressional Management Foundation said that in-person issue visits from constituents had some or a lot of influence on an undecided member of Congress. Find out how to increase your lobbying effectiveness and read the full report.
- You can have an influence by participating in the Quaker Public Policy Institute this November 15-16 in Washington, DC.
FCNL in the News: "Drone use sanitizes carnage -- for us" by General Committee member Deborah Fink (pictured at right) in Ames Tribune, 7/12/2012.- Native American Legislative Updates: Legislation enabling tribal governments to exercise greater control of the use and development of their lands is headed to the president's desk. Find out more about what's happening in Congress on Native American issues, and sign up to get monthly updates in your inbox.
War Is Not the Answer Photo of the Week: FCNL Office
Program Assistants Lena Garrettson and Melanie Fox help celebrate Lena's birthday at the FCNL office.
Order your own War Is Not the Answer sign and see where this movement is showing up across the country. Find out how to submit your photo.
