May 2003 Legislative alerts

In session
May 2003

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Legislative alerts from Network, a Catholic lobby

Legislative alerts from Network, a Catholic lobby

Say No to Tax Cuts - Voices of Advocates Urgently Needed
Call or write your Members of Congress, even if you have previously contacted them on the tax cuts. We are in the next phase of the budget process. Ask them to oppose the "Jobs and Growth" tax cut proposal, to reject the acceleration of the 2001 tax cuts, and to invest our money in the programs that will benefit those most in need. A new sample letter is available at on NETWORK's Legislative Action Center – enter your zip code under the "Elected Officials" headline and choose the letter on budet and tax cuts.

Over the recess, President Bush and his Cabinet traveled across the country trying to sell his massive tax cut package as the antidote to the current economic problems. A lot of money is being spent and pressure exerted on Members of Congress to pass the Bush plan. Although the President claims his tax cut will produce 1.4 million new jobs, hundreds of economists, including 10 Nobel laureates and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) do not believe the Bush tax cuts are stimulative. One of the most stimulative options—state fiscal relief—is not even included in the President's package. This week, the Senate Finance and the House Ways and Means committees will begin writing tax bills which must be reported by May 8th. The tax cut numbers in the budget resolution, $550 billion in the House and $350 billion in the Senate, are ceilings. Smaller tax cuts—or even no tax cuts at all—are an option. NETWORK believes that these huge tax cuts are irresponsible, inequitable, and will do little to stimulate the lagging economy and should be opposed.

Call for UN Leadership in Post-War Transition in Iraq
Contact your Representative and ask her/him to co-sponsor H Con Res 122, introduced by Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-CA). This resolution calls for United Nations leadership in the political transition and reconstruction of Iraq. A new sample letter is available at on NETWORK's Legislative Action Center– enter your zip code under the "Elected Officials" headline and choose the letter on cosponsoring H Con Res 122.

As the military conflict comes to a halt, the urgent and unglamourous process of alleviating human suffering and rebuilding a sustainable physical and political infrastructure in Iraq lies ahead. Due to the overwhelming humanitarian crises brewing in the hospitals, streets, and homes of Iraq, NETWORK believes it is unwise to allocate the primary relief effort to a military force ill-equipped to deal with humanitarian problems of such magnitude. Likewise, if the U.S armed forces intend to leave Iraq and allow the country to become a self-sustaining entity, the United Nations and the world community it represents must play the central role in rebuilding Iraq. NETWORK advocates for extensive U.S. funding for civilian-led humanitarian aid and reconstruction, and a leadership role for the United Nations in the post-war transition in Iraq.

Join Housing Advocates Lobbying for the Trust Fund Bill this Week
Contact your Representative if s/he is not a co-sponsor of the National Housing Trust Fund Bill (HR 1102) and urge him/her to become a co-sponsor. Find out if your Rep. is a co-sponsor and send the corresponding letter. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the co-sponsor search. Send a letter by clicking on the envelope next to your Rep.'s name. Supporting HR 1102 will help renew the federal commitment to assuring decent, safe and affordable housing for the nation's poorest families.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) holds its annual conference this week. Actively support those advocating for HR 1102 this week by contacting your Representative if s/he is not a co-sponsor of the legislation to establish a National Housing Trust Fund. We are working to add to the list of 187 co-sponsors. You can also become an endorser of the Trust Fund - join other NETWORK members, and over 4000 national, state and local organizations, religious groups and elected officials from across the country who have endorsed the bill. With an acute need for affordable housing, this bill will provide communities with funds to build, rehabilitate and preserve 1.5 million homes over the next ten years, primarily for those households with the most serious needs. For more information on the legislation or to endorse it if your group or organization hasn't already done so, go to NETWORK's website.

Support HR 1298 to Provide Assistance to Fight Global AIDS
Call or write and urge your Representative to vote in favor of HR 1298, the US Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act of 2003, without any reduction in funding. A new sample letter is available at on NETWORK's Legislative Action Center – enter your zip code under the "Elected Officials" headline and choose the letter onsupporting HR 1298, funding for HIV/AIDS.

The House Committee on International Relations has approved HR 1298, which provides assistance to foreign countries to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. President Bushsupports this proposal to provide up to $1 billion to the Global AIDS Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. In his State of the Union address, the President promised $15 billion over five years to fight AIDS globally. Although NETWORK, in coalition with others, has lobbied for $1.7 billion for the Global AIDS Fund, we must get at least this minimum passed now in this emergency situation. It is still necessary to lobby for increased funding.

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