Tell the Senate We Need More Than Talk

[babylonsister]

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/24779

Tell the Senate We Need More Than Talk
Submitted by davidswanson on Tue, 2007-07-17 15:58. Activism | Congress

www.unitedforpeace.org

This morning (July 17), the Senate will begin debate on an amendment to the 2008 Defense Authorization Bill which would begin troop redeployment within 120 days. The Republicans plan to filibuster the amendment to prevent a vote, so Majority Leader Harry Reid has vowed to keep the Senate in session all day and night Tuesday (July 17). He hopes to force an up or down vote on the Levin-Reed amendment to redeploy most troops out of Iraq by April 30, 2008.

The pressure of the anti-war movement has brought us this far, we must make sure our demands are not lost in the 'drama' of the Senate all-nighter on Iraq. While we think that we'll be in a better position politically if the Levin-Reed amendment passes, the more important part of our message is our demand for an immediate and complete withdrawal of all troops and contractors, and closing U.S. bases..

Call your Senators with this message:

Bring all U.S. troops and military contractors home from Iraq on a firm, immediate timeline!
Tell Republicans to allow the Levin-Reed amendment to come to a vote.
Tell Democrats to support the Levin-Reed amendment as a step in the right direction. Emphasize that their work is NOT done. The Levin-Reed Amendment does Not end the occupation and it leaves too many troops and all military contractors behind in Iraq.
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121

Background:

The Levin-Reed amendment requires troops to begin to redeploy within 120 days, to be completed by April 30, 2008. However, it would allow troops to remain in Iraq to train Iraqi security forces, protect U.S. installations and personnel, and to fight terrorism. Read the Amendment here,. {if that link doesn't work, go to www.unitedforpeace.org/congress )

This amendment would begin to bring some troops home, but would not end the occupation. It highlights the need for continued pressure from the anti-war movement to call for a complete, immediate withdrawal of all troops and contractors . Senate staff tell us that passage of this amendment would open the door to votes on stronger troop withdrawal amendments. If the amendment fails, the Senate will consider weaker measures on Iraq, or none at all.

Bi-partisan co-Sponsors of the Levin-Reed amendment: Smith (R-OR),Hagel (R-NE), Snowe (R-ME), Obama (D-IL), Kerry (D-MA), Biden (D-DE), Clinton (D-NY), Durbin (D-IL)

Target Lists:

Republicans - Alexander (TN), Bennett (UT), Coleman (MN), Collins (ME), Gregg (NH), Specter (PA), Sununu (NH), Warner (VA)

Democrats- Baucus, Bayh, Bingaman, Carper, Casey, Conrad, Dorgan, Landreiu, Lincoln, McCaskill, Nelson (both FL and NE), Pryor, Rockefeller, Salazar, Tester, Webb

[TwilightGardener]

1. Wow, Levin-Reed is the preferred vehicle of Prez wannabes!

[babylonsister]

3. How about it just makes sense for anyone with any sense to want to

end this nightmare?

[TwilightGardener]

4. Well, I agree--just noting the co-sponsors: Clinton, Obama, Biden, Hagel.

[peacebird]

2. Warner plans to vote AGAINST the Leven/Reed amendment

If you are from Virginia please call him now to urge him to vote FOR it.

202-224-2023