Friends Committee on National Legislation – 2004-07-28 12:30:52
http://www.envirosagainstwar.org/edit/index.php?op=edit&itemid=1502
(May 27, 2004) — In early June, the Senate will complete its work on the annual military authorization bill. During the floor debate there will be amendments to cut funds from new nuclear weapons and to develop and deploy a ballistic missile shield. These votes could come as soon as Tuesday, June 1.
Continuing its drive to develop new, more usable nuclear weapons, the Bush Administration has requested increased funding for research on new nuclear weapons.
In its request to Congress for fiscal year 2005 (FY05), the Administration requested $27.6 million to work on the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator (RNEP), or nuclear “bunker buster,” and $9 million for the Advanced Concepts Initiatives, which could be used to develop low-yield nuclear weapons.
This request comes at a time when the Administration is struggling to dissuade Iran and North Korea from developing nuclear weapons of their own.
This “do what I say, not what I do” attitude is not helping US nonproliferation efforts and is making the world a more dangerous place.
In addition to funds for new nuclear weapons, the Bush Administration has asked Congress for an additional $10.2 billion for FY05 in order to continue developing and deploying a ballistic missile shield.
The Administration is determined to begin deploying a limited shield by September 2004, even though the system has yet to be tested or proven effective. This reckless effort to forge ahead may have a negative impact on our strategic relationships with Russia and China. It comes despite repeated test failures, and the unlikely threat of a long-range missile attack on the US
More importantly, wasting money on a provocative, untested missile shield diverts scarce resources from other, far more urgent budget priorities, which could advance human security for the country and world in the years ahead.
ACTION:
Call, fax or email your senators. Urge them to support the Kennedy-Feinstein amendment to cut funds for new nuclear weapons and amendments to cut funds for missile defense from the “defense” authorization bill (S 2400).
Tell them that these programs will not bring security. In fact, they will make the world less secure. Urge them to shift funding away from new nuclear weapons and the missile shield to initiatives that support international arms control and disarmament or address real human security concerns such as affordable housing, halting the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and protecting the environment.
CONTACTING YOUR SENATORS IS EASY:
Start with the sample letter posted in our Legislative Action Center, personalize the language, then fax or email your message directly from our site. To view the sample letter, click here, then enter your zip code and click “Go” in the “Take Action Now” box.
SUPPORT AMENDMENTS TO CHANGE COURSE IN IRAQ:
When the Senate reconvenes after Memorial Day recess on June 1, members will once again take up the Defense Authorization Act. Several amendments related to Iraq are expected.
Please contact your senators and urge them to support amendments calling for an independent UN role in facilitating the political transition in Iraq, for a clear plan on the internationalization of security forces, and for a shift of the US mission from one of war-fighting to one of post-conflict stabilization and peacebuilding. Urge them to insure greater congressional oversight of US responsibilities and funding in Iraq.
CONTACTING YOUR SENATORS IS EASY:
Start with the sample letter posted in our Legislative Action Center, personalize the language, then fax or email your message directly from our site.
CONTACTING LEGISLATORS
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
Sen. ________
US Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Rep. ________
US House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Information on your members is available on FCNL’s web site.
CONTACTING THE ADMINISTRATION
• White House Comment Desk: 202-456-1111
Fax: 202-456-2461
Email: president@whitehouse.gov
Web Page: http://www.whitehouse.gov/
• President George W. Bush
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Friends Committee on National Legislation, Mail: 245 Second Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-5795, Email: fcnl@fcnl.org. Phone: (202) 547-6000, Toll Free: (800) 630-1330, Fax: (202) 547-6019
Web: http://www.fcnl.org/
