NETWORK's legislative update

In session
March 2007

Legislative update from . . . .
1. Do Something Constructive for Iraq

Congress is considering President Bush’s request for $100 billion in Supplemental funding for Iraq. NETWORK is part of a coalition of peace and development organizations seeking support for four effective programs that employ Iraqis:

• $100 million for Community Action Programs (CAP) and the Marla Ruzicka Iraqi War Victims Fund (Marla Fund)

• $290 million for UNHCR and the humanitarian needs of refugees and displaced persons.

• $100 million for economic development in Iraq by Iraqis including restarting 143 Iraqi state owned enterprises.

• $100 million for the support of civil societies and peace building.

Please contact your Representative and Senators to request their support for these proven programs that can help significantly to change the course of violence in Iraq.

You can send an e-mail by going to: http://capwiz.com/networklobby/issues/alert/?alertid=9451786&type=CO

For more information see: www.networklobby.org/issues/iraq/Iraq_supplemental.html

2. Call-in for Childrens’ Healthcare

Call your Representative and Senators to tell them we need at least $60 billion in new money (for the next five years) to cover all the children who are eligible for State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

On March 6, 7 and 8 you can call Congress, toll-free: 1-800-828-0498

The House and Senate Budget Committees are making decisions now about federal funding levels for the SCHIP program. All Members of Congress need to hear how important this program is and about the need to fully fund the program. No child should lose coverage because there are not enough federal funds. There will be enough funds if Congress chooses to make children’s healthcare a priority.

For more information on SCHIP, see http://www.networklobby.org/issues/economic_equity/schip.html

3. Rethinking U.S. Trade Policy for the Common Good

On March 13th, Representative Marcy Kaptur and Representative Walter Jones will host a briefing entitled “Rethinking U.S. Trade Policy for the Common Good,” from 8:00am until 2:30pm in Rayburn Congressional Building Room B369.

Please call your Representative and urge them to attend this briefing.

You can call your Rrepresentative’s local office, or call the Washington office via the Capitol switchboard: 202-225-3121.

We believe information presented at the briefing will prove invaluable as we enter into the future of trade.

The goal of the briefing is to expand Congressional debate on trade beyond traditional labor and environmental concerns and rethink U.S. trade policy for the common good, including our global neighbors. The briefing will explore three themes: 1) Trade and Livelihoods, 2) Trade and Policy Space, and 3) Trade, Agriculture and Migration.

The Interfaith Working Group on Trade and Investment (IWG), a group comprised of mainline churches, religious congregations, and faith-based organizations with offices in the DC area, has worked with Representatives Kaptur and Jones to organize this briefing.

If you live in or around the DC area and would like to attend the March 13 trade briefing, please feel welcome. If you would like a full agenda, send an email to mgregson@networklobby.org.

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