This is an email from American Friends Service Committee. I hope it is accurate, I haven't heard such yet on TV, which I tune out easily these days. American Friends are the Quakers, one of the few "religions" actually working for world peace, and exposing 911 etc. Good for them. The local group here in my area is very active. -Candace

Dear Candace, 

Thank you for all your calls and emails to Congress in the past month.  I have good news to share: Congress has heard our call to end the war in Iraq.  

In a surprising turn of events, the House of Representatives voted down continuing funding for the war in Iraq.  They also passed bills calling for no permanent bases in Iraq, stopping the use of torture, a GI bill that would give tuition breaks to veterans, and complete withdrawal of U.S. bases and troops from Iraq by the end of 2009.  In addition, they passed funding for urgent domestic needs, such as unemployment benefits.

While some of the legislation is a mixed blessing, this vote is a step in a new, improved direction.  Thank you all for your work to change the U.S. government’s course in Iraq.

To find out how your Congressperson voted, visit our friends at FCNL’s web site.

It’s been a long time since Congress has taken a stand against the war in Iraq.  This victory was possible both because of increased opposition to continued war funding and because many House members who support the war voted “present,” which is the same as abstaining from the vote. The victory will be challenged next week when the Senate begins their debate.  It’s still possible for war funding to come back.

Take Action

The debate on war funding is now heading to the Senate.  Keep building the momentum for peace by calling your two senators today. 

Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 to be connected to your senators.

To find your senators, use our Congressional directory.

Thank you all so much.  I’ll have more to report soon as the Senate debate starts.

Peace,

Peter Lems
For AFSC’s Wage Peace Campaign