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http://capwiz.com/fconl/issues/alert/?alertid=2364961&type=CO
SHIFT MILITARY SPENDING TO MEET HUMAN NEEDS:
One of the first things House and Senate appropriators will need to resolve when they return after the Memorial Day recess is how they will divide the $784 billion in discretionary funds between each of the thirteen appropriations subcommittees.
More than $400 billion is expected to be allocated to the military – $17 billion more than last year. (This does not include additional amounts for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan). The rest is to be divided among programs that promote priorities such as affordable housing, education and job training, public health, international humanitarian and development assistance, national parks, community development, environmental protection, veterans benefits, law enforcement, etc.
The Congressional Budget Resolution, passed in April, requires Congress to cut $7.6 billion from these other non-military programs, but it did not specify which programs should be cut.
Many appropriators are saying that the Budget Resolution does not provide them with sufficient funds to sustain essential federal programs and services. Further cuts will only make matters worse.
ACTION:
Please contact your legislators. Urge them to oppose cutting funds for programs that meet basic human needs and protect the environment, and to support shifting federal budget priorities away from the military toward addressing human security needs at home and abroad.
CONTACTING YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS IS EASY:
Start with the sample letter posted in our Legislative Action Center, personalize the language, then email or fax your message directly from our site. You can also print it out and mail it. To view the sample letter, click on the link below, then enter your zip code and click
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
