Department of Peacebuilding Act 2013(U.S. Cong. Lee) takes up Dept of Peace Act 2011(fmr Cong. Kucinich)

Recognizing the links: U.S. violence at home, U.S. violence abroad

Seeking change in ethos and action: violence to nonviolence

Editing, re-reporting by 

Carolyn Bennett

Department of Peace to Department of Peace building

This week U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, carrying the torch for peace launched two years ago by former U.S. Representative Dennis Kucinich with 63 cosponsors (H.R.808 “Department of Peace Act of 2011”), introduced H.R. 808, the “Department of Peacebuilding Act of 2013”

The term “peacebuilding,” in the context of this bill, refers to “activities that target root causes of violence and broad measures used to prevent violent conflict and create sustainable peace.”

U.S. Congresswoman
Barbara Lee

latest action

Department of Peace building

I

n introducing the “Department of Peacebuilding Act of 2013,” Representative Barbara Lee said, “The Department of Peacebuilding advances the good work of my friend and former colleague Congressman Kucinich and has the potential ─

To reduce suffering on a national and global scale while saving billions of dollars through violence reduction and increased economic productivity

“This culture of violence that we live in is unacceptable,” the congresswoman said. “On our streets and across the globe, the pervasive presence of violence has infected the lives of millions, and it is far past time we address it as a nation.

“We invest hundreds of billions each year in the Pentagon, in war colleges, military academies, and our national defense universities all to develop war tactics and strategies. 

“Now we need that kind of investment in peace and nonviolence here at home.”

Congresswomen Lee & Woolsey

This proposed Department of Peacebuilding and its Secretary, says the congresswoman’s press release, will have the responsibilities of ─

Developing national strategies and programs for violence reduction both domestically and internationally

Working across agencies

Sponsoring conflict prevention and dispute resolution initiatives

Facilitating peace summits between conflicting parties

Encouraging community policing

Supporting efforts by local community and religious groups to reduce gun violence, racial and ethnic violence and prevent violence against women and LGBT Americans

Among the bill’s sponsors are U.S. Representatives Robert Andrews, Yvette Clarke, John Conyers Jr., Janice Hahn, James McGovern, Chellie Pingree, and Jared Polis.

previous action

Dennis Kucinich

Department of Peace

H.R.808: Department of Peace Act of 2011

Sponsor: Rep Kucinich, Dennis J. [OH-10] (introduced 2/18/2011) Cosponsors (63)

Major Status Action: 3/18/2011 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Government Organization, Efficiency, and Financial Management.

Congressional Research Service reports

Bill (introduced) Summary February 18, 2011

T

he Department of Peace Act of 2011 would have established a Department of Peace headed by a Secretary of Peace (Secretary); its mission the ─

Cultivation of peace as a national policy objective

Development of policies that promote national and international conflict prevention, nonviolent intervention, mediation, peaceful conflict resolution, and structured conflict mediation

The Department of Peace Act of 2011 proposal would have established within the Department of Peace the offices of:

Peace Education and Training

Domestic Peace Activities

International Peace Activities

Technology for Peace

Arms Control and Disarmament

Peaceful Coexistence and Nonviolent Conflict Resolution

Human Rights and Economic Rights

Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Peace

The original proposal “directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) and Secretary of State to consult with Secretary [Secretary of Peace] concerning nonviolent means of conflict resolution when a conflict between the United States and any other government or entity is imminent or occurring.”

It “transfers to the Department [of Peace] the functions, assets, and personnel of various federal agencies; establishes the Federal Interagency Committee on Peace; and directs the Secretary [of Peace] to encourage citizens to celebrate the blessings of peace and endeavor to create peace on a Peace Day.”

Supporters of H.R.808: Department of Peace Act of 2011 (63 cosponsors)

Rep Andrews, Robert E. [NJ-1] - 7/28/2011; Rep Baldwin, Tammy [WI-2] - 2/18/2011; Rep Bass, Karen [CA-33] - 8/2/2012; Rep Brown, Corrine [FL-3] - 2/18/2011; Rep Carson, Andre [IN-7] - 4/19/2012 ; Rep Christensen, Donna M. [VI] - 7/21/2011; Rep Chu, Judy [CA-32] - 8/2/2012 ; Rep Clarke, Yvette D. [NY-11] - 4/19/2012; Rep Clay, Wm. Lacy [MO-1] - 7/28/2011; Rep Cleaver, Emanuel [MO-5] - 4/19/2012; Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [MI-14] - 2/18/2011; Rep Cummings, Elijah E. [MD-7] - 7/28/2011; Rep Davis, Danny K. [IL-7] - 4/19/2012; Rep Davis, Susan A. [CA-53] - 5/26/2011; Rep DeFazio, Peter A. [OR-4] - 2/18/2011

Congresswoman Lee - left
fmr Congressman Kucinich - 2nd from right

Rep Edwards, Donna F. [MD-4] - 8/2/2012; Rep Ellison, Keith [MN-5] - 3/29/2011; Rep Farr, Sam [CA-17] - 2/18/2011; Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] - 5/26/2011; Rep Fudge, Marcia L. [OH-11] - 8/2/2012; Rep Green, Al [TX-9] - 4/19/2012; Rep Grijalva, Raul M. [AZ-7] - 5/17/2012; Rep Hahn, Janice [CA-36] - 12/1/2011; Rep Hastings, Alcee L. [FL-23] - 5/17/2012; Rep Hinchey, Maurice D. [NY-22] - 4/19/2012; Rep Hirono, Mazie K. [HI-2] - 4/19/2012; Rep Holt, Rush [NJ-12] - 7/28/2011; Rep Honda, Michael M. [CA-15] - 3/1/2011; Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [TX-18] - 3/1/2011; Rep Jackson, Jesse L., Jr. [IL-2] - 4/17/2012; Rep Johnson, Eddie Bernice [TX-30] - 8/2/2012; Rep Johnson, Henry C. "Hank," Jr. [GA-4] - 7/20/2011; Rep Kaptur, Marcy [OH-9] - 7/28/2011; Rep Kildee, Dale E. [MI-5] - 7/28/2011; Rep Larson, John B. [CT-1] - 4/19/2012

Rep Lee, Barbara [CA-9] - 2/18/2011; Rep Lewis, John [GA-5] - 2/18/2011; Rep Markey, Edward J. [MA-7] - 8/2/2012; Rep McCollum, Betty [MN-4] - 6/1/2011; Rep McDermott, Jim [WA-7] - 7/28/2011; Rep McGovern, James P. [MA-3] - 7/28/2011; Rep Miller, George [CA-7] - 7/6/2011; Rep Moore, Gwen [WI-4] - 2/18/2011; Rep Moran, James P. [VA-8] - 8/2/2012

Rep Nadler, Jerrold [NY-8] - 9/9/2011; Rep Norton, Eleanor Holmes [DC] - 2/18/2011

Rep Olver, John W. [MA-1] - 2/18/2011; Rep Pingree, Chellie [ME-1] - 5/5/2011; Rep Polis, Jared [CO-2] - 2/18/2011; Rep Rangel, Charles B. [NY-15] - 5/8/2012; Rep Richardson, Laura [CA-37] - 4/17/2012; Rep Richmond, Cedric L. [LA-2] - 8/2/2012; Rep Rothman, Steven R. [NJ-9] - 4/19/2012; 

Rep Rush, Bobby L. [IL-1] - 8/2/2012; Rep Ryan, Tim [OH-17] - 4/19/2012

Rep Schakowsky, Janice D. [IL-9] - 7/28/2011; Rep Serrano, Jose E. [NY-16] - 9/20/2011; Rep Sherman, Brad [CA-27] - 2/18/2011; Rep Smith, Adam [WA-9] - 8/2/2012; Rep Stark, Fortney Pete [CA-13] - 3/29/2011; Rep Waters, Maxine [CA-35] - 8/2/2012; Rep Woolsey, Lynn C. [CA-6] - 2/18/2011; Rep Wu, David [OR-1] - 3/2/2011

  

Sources and notes

 

Department of Peacebuilding Act 2013

“Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Bill to Create Department of Peacebuilding” (Washington, D.C.—Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced H.R. 808, the “Department of Peacebuilding Act of 2013” to create a cabinet-level Secretary and Department of Peacebuilding), February 15, 2013Issues: Global Peace & Security; Follow Barbara Lee on Facebook and Twitter @RepBarbaraLee. To learn more, visit lee.house.gov.

http://lee.house.gov/press-release/congresswoman-barbara-lee-introduces-bill-create-department-peacebuilding

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each life cut short by a homicide costs the U.S. economy $1.65 million. 

Worldwide, the Institute for Economics and Peace estimates that violence and conflict cost the global economy $9 trillion in 2011.

BARBARA LEE

U.S. Representative Barbara Lee (D-California) has been a member of the U.S. House of Representatives since April 7, 1998, the 105th Congress. Before entering the U.S. House, she was a member of the California state assembly (1991-1997) and a member of the California State Senate (1997-1998). In earlier years, she worked on the staff of former U. S. Representative Ron Dellums.

Congresswoman Lee took her academic credentials at Mills College (B.A., Oakland) and University of California (Master’s, Berkeley). http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=L000551

Department of Peace Act 2011

Bill Summary & Status, 112th Congress (2011 - 2012), H.R.808, CRS Summary

Co-sponsors of Department of Peace Act as introduced by former U.S. Representative Dennis Kucinich, http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d112:72:./temp/~bdIQok:@@@P

DENNIS KUCINICH

Former U.S. Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) was a member of the U.S. Congress from January 3, 1997 until January 3, 2013 (the 105th and seven succeeding Congresses). Before entering to the U.S. Congress, Congressman Kucinich was a member of the Cleveland City Council (1969-1973, 1983); Clerk of Courts (Cleveland, 1975); Cleveland Mayor (1977-1979); Member of the Ohio State Senate (1995-1996). In 2008, he was a candidate in the campaign for the U.S. presidency.

Kucinich took his academic baccalaureate and master’s credentials at Case Western Reserve University. http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=K000336

SEE ALSO: 

http://www.thepeaceclinic.org/global_peace_partners.html

http://www.thepeacealliance.org/

http://www.thepeaceclinic.org/global_peace_partners.html

Peace Alliance (http://www.thepeacealliance.org/): We are working to help create a significant cultural shift:

From punitive to restorative

War-making to peacebuilding

Incarceration to prevention & intervention

Bullying to conflict resolution education

Stress to inner peace

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Bennett's books are available in New York State independent bookstores: Lift Bridge Bookshop: www.liftbridgebooks.com [Brockport, NY]; Sundance Books: http://www.sundancebooks.com/main.html [Geneseo, NY]; Mood Makers Books: www.moodmakersbooks.com [City of Rochester, NY]; Dog Ears Bookstore and Literary Arts Center: www.enlightenthedog.org/ [Buffalo, NY]; Burlingham Books – ‘Your Local Chapter’: http://burlinghambooks.com/ [Perry, NY 14530]; The Bookworm: http://www.eabookworm.com/ [East Aurora, NY] • See also: World Pulse: Global Issues through the eyes of Women: http://www.worldpulse.com/ http://www.worldpulse.com/pulsewire http://www.facebook.com/#!/bennetts2ndstudy_______________________________________

U. S. Representatives Lee, Kucinich comment on NATO show

U.S. Reps Lee and Kucinich
speaking to the press
file photo

Paying for this lying, Cold War relic makes no sense

Excerpt, editing by 
Carolyn Bennett

CALIFORNIA CONGRESSWOMAN BARBARA LEE minces her words

“I will remain steadfast in my efforts for an accelerated withdrawal and am heartened that a majority of Democrats and 12 Republicans in the House joined me last week in an effort to end the war [on Afghanistan] now and safely and responsibly bring our troops home.”

Enough is enough, Lee says. 

Rep. Barbara Lee, center
Rep. Lynn Woolsey, right
Stand against war on Iraq

“There is no military solution in Afghanistan.”

Approaching ten years of war have cost the deaths of “almost two thousand U.S. troops; more than $530 billion in direct costs.

“Two-thirds of Americans say the war is not worth fighting [and] it is past time for our policy to catch up with the American people.… While NATO leaders and President Obama took an important step toward ending the war, we need to bring our troops home now – not years from now.”    

OHIO CONGRESSMAN DENNIS KUCINICH

minces no words

“The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is no benevolent organization [but] a cost-sharing organization that finances aggressive military action.…”

Rep. Dennis Kucinich
Activist Cindy Sheehan
 and others

Endless unlawful war

While hiding behind the claim of providing “for ‘common defense’,” NATO “allows us to wage wars of choice under the guise of international peacekeeping”: the most recent example being the “unconstitutional war on Libya” where NATO operated “under a United Nations mandate of protecting civilians” while in reality “backing one side in a civil war and pursuing a policy of regime change.”

War on Libya’s estimated cost to the United States: $1.1 billion.

Milking the cow

Participation in NATO exacts great financial cost to the United States, Kucinich said. “We contribute the majority of funds for NATO’s common budget — including 25 percent of the military budget”; and we incur significant costs deploying U.S. forces in support of NATO missions. 

The United States “contributed more than $1.3 billion to NATO’s military budget between FY 2010 and 2012.” 

End the sham, end the show

U.S. Reps Lee and Kucinich
Left, 2nd from right

“NATO is an anachronism,” Kucinich concludes.

“Instead of trying to bolster the organization, we should begin serious discussions to dismantle it.”

Sources and notes

Oakland, California: “Barbara Lee Releases Statement on NATO Summit and Afghanistan,”

May 21, 2012, http://lee.house.gov/press-releases/barbara-lee-releases-statement-on-nato-summit-and-afghanistan/

Washington, D.C.: “NATO Talks a Sham: War in Afghanistan is Not Ending — Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) releases a statement as world leaders meet in Chicago for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit,” May 21, 2012, http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=296347

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Bennett's books are available in New York State independent bookstores: Lift Bridge Bookshop: www.liftbridgebooks.com [Brockport, NY]; Sundance Books: http://www.sundancebooks.com/main.html [Geneseo, NY]; Mood Makers Books: www.moodmakersbooks.com [City of Rochester, NY]; Dog Ears Bookstore and Literary Arts Center: www.enlightenthedog.org/ [Buffalo, NY]; Burlingham Books – ‘Your Local Chapter’: http://burlinghambooks.com/ [Perry, NY 14530]; The Bookworm: http://www.eabookworm.com/ [East Aurora, NY] • See also: World Pulse: Global Issues through the eyes of Women: http://www.worldpulse.com/ http://www.worldpulse.com/pulsewire http://www.facebook.com/#!/bennetts2ndstudy

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Bring them home, address terrorism’s root causes — Lee

Edited by Carolyn Bennett

“Responsible End to War in Afghanistan”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee has championed the fight in Congress to shift away from a military-first strategy in Afghanistan and to reorient United States foreign policy to meet the threat of terrorism in a more effective and sustainable manner.

“She has backed legislation to require an exit strategy and timeline for withdrawal from Afghanistan, and most recently re-introduced The Responsible End to the War in Afghanistan Act (H.R. 780), which would end combat operations in Afghanistan and limit funding to the safe and orderly redeployment of all U.S. troops and military contractors.”

Current co-sponsors (60) of H.R. 780 “the Responsible End to the War in Afghanistan Act” in the 112th Congress are: Rep. Karen Bass, Rep. Earl Blumenauer,  Rep. Michael E. Capuano,  Rep. Judy Chu,  Rep. Yvette D. Clarke,  Rep. William Lacy Clay,  Rep. Emanuel Cleaver,  Rep. Steve Cohen,  Rep. John Conyers Jr.,  Rep. Elijah E. Cummings,  Rep. Danny K. Davis,  Rep. Diana DeGette,  Rep. Donna F. Edwards,  Rep. Keith Ellison,  Rep. Sam Farr,  Rep. Bob Filner, Rep. Barney Frank,  Rep. Marcia L. Fudge,  Rep. John Garamendi,  Rep. Raul M. Grijalva,  Rep. Colleen W. Hanabusa,  Rep. Alcee L. Hastings,  Rep. Mazie K. Hirono, Rep. Michael M. Honda, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Rep. Walter B. Jones, Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Rep. John Lewis, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Rep. Jim McDermott, Rep. Mike Michaud, Rep. George Miller, Rep. Gwen Moore, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Rep. John W. Olver, Rep. Donald M. Payne, Rep. Chellie Pingree, Rep. Ron Paul, Rep. Laura Richardson, Rep. Linda Sanchez, Rep. Loretta Sanchez, Rep. Jan D. Schakowsky, Rep. José E. Serrano, Rep. Louise M. Slaughter, Rep. Jackie Speier, Rep. Pete Stark, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, Rep. Edolphus Towns, Rep. Nydia M. Velasquez, Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. Melvin L. Watt, Rep. Henry A. Waxman, Rep. Peter Welch, Rep. Lynn C. Woolsey.

  

Appearing today on the Democracy Now news program, U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, in the wake of the Obama administration’s boasting of targeted assassination and continued “war on terrorism,” reissued the call for a new course and character in U.S. foreign relations and to remove U.S. military personnel including contractors from the soil of and skies over the Afghan people. This is some of what Representative Lee had to say.

War in perpetuity prohibited

We must “address the root causes of terrorism and understand that we have to refocus our resources and our strategy in a way that begins to get us out of Afghanistan. Right after the horrific attacks [of September 11, 2001], I said ‘we can’t give a blank check’ to any president to wage war in perpetuity....”

We cannot become isolationists but “I also know that the American people are going to insist on some answers. We cannot continue to spend trillions of dollars on open-ended wars such as we have in Afghanistan and on wars such as Iraq. Now Libya.

“I do believe in foreign assistance but we cannot continue to send money to countries that … we have some question about.  We must take a moment to investigate and understand what happened in Pakistan and not rush to judgment on this.”

Correct 2001 resolution authorizing Executive Branch to invade — Repeal it

“That was a blank check that gave the authority—it was not a declaration of war,” Representative Lee said, “yet we’ve been in the longest war in American history, now 10 years, and it’s open-ended.

“I want to repeal that authorization because that authorization gives any president the authorization to… use force, to use military action, when, in fact, Congress must declare war, if we’re going to do this. [W]e need to go back to the drawing board and repeal this. … [W]hen the president, any president, deems it necessary to use force, military force, the Constitution requires the president to come to Congress for a declaration of war…”

Will of citizenry essential to democracy

In Congress, “we need to begin to exercise our leadership responsibilities and to say no more combat operation in Afghanistan. … Many members are looking at a variety of bills and resolutions to begin a clearer focus, to send the message to the administration that it’s time to end this war. This past March, a bipartisan group of 80 members joined me in writing a letter to the President. … I think we have at least 100, 110 members who are willing and who are where I am on this, progressives and others.”

“… It is a very difficult and lengthy process but Congress is hearing the drumbeat … — I cannot overstate how important this is for our democracy. The people in this country—every poll has shown … over 65, 70 percent of the public is now war-weary.” The people in this country “understand that we need to bring our young men and women out of harm’s way. They have performed valiantly and well, they have done everything we have asked them to do. Now it is time to bring them home.…”

Alter course, character of U.S. foreign relations

We must “address the root causes of terrorism and really begin to enact a smarter security strategy.” The bottom line is this: We have to —

• Remove our young men and women out of harm’s way and 
• 
  
• Make sure our presence in countries throughout the world does not create more danger, more anti-U.S. anger, which in fact diminishes our national security.

Congresswoman Lee speaking on House floor September 14, 2001 —

“Mr. Speaker, members, I rise today really with a very heavy heart, one that is filled with sorrow for the families and the loved ones who were killed and injured this week. Only the most foolish and the most callous would not understand the grief that has really gripped our people and millions across the world. This unspeakable act on the United States has really forced me, however, to rely on my moral compass, my conscience and my God for direction. 

 “September 11th changed the world. Our deepest fears now haunt us. Yet I am convinced that military action will not prevent further acts of international terrorism against the United States. This is a very complex and complicated matter. 

 “… [This resolution will pass, although we all know that the President can wage a war even without it. However difficult this vote may be, some of us must urge the use of restraint. Our country is in a state of mourning. Some of us must say, ‘let’s step back for a moment. Let’s just pause, just for a minute, and think through the implications of our actions today, so that this does not spiral out of control.’ 

 “… I have agonized over this vote, but I came to grips with it today; and I came to grips with opposing this resolution during the very painful, yet very beautiful, memorial service. As a member of the clergy so eloquently said, ‘As we act, let us not become the evil that we deplore.’…”

Sources and notes

“A Responsible End to the War in Afghanistan,” http://lee.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=296&sectiontree=38,75,296; Also search related legislation via Thomas, www.thomas.gov

“10 Years Too Long: Rep. Barbara Lee Renews Calls for End to Afghan War after Killing of Osama bin Laden,” May 3, 2011, http://www.democracynow.org/2011/5/3/10_years_too_long_rep_barbara

http://www.democracynow.org/2011/5/3/10_years_too_long_rep_barbara

Barbara Lee

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives (D-Calif.), 105^th -112^th Congress, April 7, 1998-present, Barbara Lee, before coming to the U.S. House, was a staff member for U. S. Representative Ron Dellums of California; a member of the California state assembly (1991-1997); and a member of the California state senate (1997-1998). She is author of Renegade for Peace and Justice.

Representative Lee holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Mills College (Oakland, Calif.) and University of California (Berkeley). She was born in El Paso, Texas. http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=L000551

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Bennett's books available in New York State independent bookstores: Lift Bridge Bookshop: www.liftbridgebooks.com [Brockport, NY]; Sundance Books: http://www.sundancebooks.com/main.html [Geneseo, NY]; The Book Den, Ltd.: BookDenLtd@frontiernet.net [Danville, NY]; Talking Leaves Books-Elmwood: talking.leaves.elmwood@gmail.com [Buffalo, NY]; Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza: http://www.bhny.com/ [Albany, NY]; Mood Makers Books: www.moodmakersbooks.com [City of Rochester, NY]; Dog Ears Bookstore and Literary Arts Center: www.enlightenthedog.org/ [Buffalo, NY]; Burlingham Books – ‘Your Local Chapter’: http://burlinghambooks.com/ [Perry, NY 14530]; The Bookworm: http://www.eabookworm.com/ [East Aurora, NY]; LONGS’ Cards and Books: http://longscardsandbooks.com/ [Penn Yan, NY]

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Stop the Hemorrhage, Bring $Billions home

Re-reporting, editing by Carolyn Bennett
Some Members of Congress took a stand against more billions for war

Obey of WISCONSIN
To date “we have appropriated over $1 trillion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, more than $700 billion to Iraq and $300 billion for Afghanistan.” Borrowed money has paid for these wars.

“What’s happened with this bill [2010 supplemental appropriations, war funding bill] is a good indication of the tensions and the false choices that we face. The bill started in March as a domestic disaster relief and youth summer jobs bill. The Senate added war funding. Then, we tried to do something about other emergencies this year:

The loss of more than 100,000 teachers’ jobs because of devastating state and local budget cuts
Border security vulnerabilities
A shortfall in Pell grant funding because more students qualify for aid due to the economic recession

“The House tried to fund those emergencies – which were largely paid for with offsets to other programs. Now, true to form, virtually everything we have attempted to do this year to address the economic crisis and emergencies on the domestic side of the ledger has fallen by the wayside.

“On the current course, we will face the same situation again next year and the year following as well.

“Military experts tell us that it will take us at least 10 more years to achieve any acceptable outcome in Afghanistan. We have already been there 9 years ─ I believe it is too high a price to pay.

“To those who say we must pay it because we’re going after Al Qaeda, I would note that Afghanistan is where Al Qaeda USED to be.

“Today, there are fewer than 100 Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, which was publicly confirmed last month by CIA chief Panetta. Al Qaeda has relocated to other countries and regions.

“I have the highest respect and appreciation for our troops who have done everything asked of them. They are being let down by the inability of the governments of Afghanistan and in some instances Pakistan to do their parts.

“I would be willing to support additional war funding – provided that Congress would vote – up or down – explicitly on whether or not to continue this policy after a new National Intelligence Estimate is produced.

“But absent that discipline, I cannot look my constituents in the eye and say that this operation will hurt our enemies more than us.…”

U.S. Representative Dave Obey [7th Congressional District Wisconsin, July 27, 2010, on his decision to vote no on the 2010 supplemental appropriations bill, http://appropriations.house.gov/images/stories/pdf/Obey_Statement_on_the_Sen_Amendment_to_2010_Supplemental_-_7_27_10_2.pdf

Clarke of NEW YORK
“Unfortunately the Senate has decided to short change our school children, teachers and youth while continuing to pay for the fruitless war in Afghanistan. Senators stripped critical House-passed funding provisions from the legislation that would have provided for teacher jobs, summer youth employment, and college Pell grants.

Specifically, the Senate version of the War Supplemental bill stripped from the House-passed investments:

$10 billion for teacher jobs

$1 billion for summer youth employment

$5 billion for Pell grants

$701 million for border security

The bill also excludes critical funding to maintain first responder, police/firefighter positions despite the fundamental need for those jobs not only in Brooklyn but in every community in America.

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke's Statement on the FY 2010 Supplemental Appropriations Act,
July 27, 2010 7:13 PM Washington, DC- Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4899, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010 with a vote of 308 to 114; Congresswoman Clarke released the statement on her decision to vote against the legislation, http://clarke.house.gov/2010/07/congresswoman-yvette-d-clarkes-statement-on-the-fy-2010-supplemental-appropriations-act.shtml

 Kucinich of OHIO
“Wake Up America.

“How can we solve the world’s problems if we cannot solve our own problems here at home?”

“Don’t we know enough now to begin to demand an end to these wars? Can we ignore the budgetary impact of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan ─ especially when there are so many pressing needs for jobs, housing, education, health care and retirement security here at home?

“Vote for H. Con. Res 301: The Kucinich-Paul Resolution to Withdraw from Pakistan. Vote Against the $33 Billion Iraq-Afghanistan-Pakistan War Supplemental.” Dennis J. Kucinich, 10th District Ohio, http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=200735

House Congressional Resolution 301: “Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Pakistan” was introduced by Representative Dennis J. Kucinich [OH-10], July 22, 2010. Cosponsors are Representatives Bob Filner [CA-51] and Paul, Ron [TX-14].

Related bill House Resolution 1556: “Providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 301) directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Pakistan” [Sets forth the rule for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 301) directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Pakistan] introduced by Representative James P. McGovern [MA-3] July 26, 2010.

Woolsey, Lee of CALIFORNIA
“We are running up record deficits with two wars,” California Representative Lynn Woolsey said, costing “the United States in blood and treasure.”

“Let’s not spend another dollar to escalate America’s longest war,” another California Congresswoman pleaded on the House floor. “The costs of this war are too enormous,” Representative Barbara Lee said.

The U.S. House of Representatives approved $58 billion for wars, despite Afghan leaks (Mark Matthews), July 27, 2010, http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/politics&id=7578874