The Resolution of Inquiry into Bush's war lies now has 65 co-sponsors. It will come to a vote in the House International Relations Commitee on September 14th, where it has the co-sponsorship of most of the Democrats and one Republican. To pass, it needs all the Democrats and three Republicans. The more Congress Members not on the committee who co-sponsor, the more likely some committee members are to vote yes. A substantial debate on the issue is expected. The committee meets in Room 2172, Rayburn House Office Building, at 10:30 a.m. next Wednesday.
We encourage you to take action by October 31, 2005
Don't Let Congress Undermine Student Loans
Petition:
I am writing as a concerned voter in your district to urge you to vote against legislation that hurts students. This fall, Congress will be taking a crucial vote on Budget Reconciliation. If passed, Budget Reconciliation will be a drastic cut to higher education.
As proposed, Budget Reconciliation will result in a cut of $7-11 billion from federal student loan programs! These cuts will dramatically increase the amount students have to pay for higher education, costing the average student thousands of dollars more in loan repayment. For instance, a typical student borrower will have to pay as much as $5,800 extra in loan
repayment!
Forcing college students into unmanageable debt is bad policy. Currently, 39% of students graduate with unmanageable debt. If Budget Reconciliation passes, this percentage will dramatically increase. I strongly urge you to vote no on a bill that will force an entire generation into debt.
Do not to turn your back on students! Congress must acknowledge the importance of higher education and invest in the vital programs that make college education a reality. Without an investment in the youth of our nation, we cannot have a strong, competitive and secure future. Congress must demonstrate a commitment to young people by increasing access to higher education and preserving the programs that students depend on to pay for school.
Vote no on Budget Reconciliation. I look forward to our continued work to turn higher education into a reality for all America's youth.
Act Now: Supreme Court Future Hangs in the Balance
1) Insist that the White House provide immediate access to the documents that have been requested -- documents that could shed additional light on Roberts' views on critical issues;
2) Ensure that Roberts is asked -- and fully answers -- tough and probing questions during his confirmation hearing; and
3) Ask President Bush to meaningfully consult with senators from both parties to choose a mainstream nominee to replace Justice O'Connor.
Senate Scrutiny Is Even More Critical Now with John Roberts' Nomination as Chief Justice.
The death of Chief Justice William Rehnquist, coupled with Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's July announcement of her intention to retire, means that President Bush and the Senate must now thoughtfully and deliberately appoint and consider the nominations of two new Supreme Court justices. The Senate will first consider the nomination of John Roberts to serve as chief justice. Click here to tell your senators that, as the .
This historic moment comes during a period of great crisis in our nation. The immense tragedy brought by Hurricane Katrina has rightly focused our nation's attention on helping hurricane survivors. During this challenging time, our national leaders are now also faced with decisions that will shape the high Court -- and our nation's future -- for generations to come. The individual rights, freedoms, and legal safeguards that we all cherish are at stake.
If confirmed to this lifetime position, Roberts would not only be the most prominent judge in the nation and set policy for the federal judiciary, he would also lead the federal government's third branch. Roberts' elevated nomination to chief justice makes it all the more important that the Senate be vigilant in considering this nomination!
* If confirmed, the 50 year-old John Roberts would likely serve for decades, perhaps even surpassing Chief Justice John Marshall's record length of service, 34 years. (That would be the year 2039!)
* When the Senate considered William Rehnquist's elevation to Chief Justice in 1986, the Reagan administration turned over to the Republican-controlled Senate the documents that it had earlier claimed to be privileged.
