For Immediate Release: June 19, 2008
United for Peace and Justice
Peace Movement to Congress:
What Part of "Bring the Troops Home" Don't You Understand?
Anti-War Groups Decry Anticipated Approval of Largest War Funding Bill Since Iraq Invasion
New York, NY -- Anticipating the approval of a record-shattering $165 billion more for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, United for Peace and Justice, the nation's largest coalition of anti-war groups, reminded Congress that the people of this country do not support the continued presence of U.S. troops in Iraq. Polls consistently show majorities in both the U.S. and Iraq want U.S. troops to leave within a year.
"This Congress swept into power on a wave of anti-war sentiment, yet they have consistently voted to continue the occupation and war they say they oppose. Today's passage of a $165 billion war funding bill that will continue the war into the next administration is an appalling abdication of responsibility," said Leslie Cagan, National Coordinator of UFPJ.
"Unfortunately, the Democratic leadership continues to claim that they must support the troops by funding the war and occupation. If they are serious about helping the troops, the most useful thing they could do is to bring them home," declared Michael McPhearson, co-chair of UFPJ and Executive Director of Veterans For Peace. "How can Congress claim to want to end the violence while at the same time funding the occupation? The funding ensures the violence will continue. Hundreds of U.S. soldiers and thousands of Iraqis will die. How many more lives must be claimed and bodies maimed before they take decisive action?"
McPhearson applauded the decision to give new benefits to GIs and to extend unemployment insurance, but added, "the decision to tack these items onto another year of war is a stunning example of politics at its worst."
"Across the country, over the past five years, our members have marched, lobbied, sat in offices, protested outside offices and voted for pro-peace candidates. The atmosphere in the country has changed drastically since 2003, from pro-war to strongly anti-war, yet Congress continues to support Bush's failed Iraq policy, giving him every penny he asks for," said UFPJ Legislative Coordinator Sue Udry. "We are pleased that a growing number of representatives are willing to stand up for peace and vote to stop funding this occupation," she added. "But many others are betraying their constituents, while hoping this will not be noticed."
Udry emphasized that in the coming months United for Peace and Justice will be working with member groups to make sure that legislative officials are held accountable for their votes. This weekend UFPJ launches a nonpartisan voter engagement campaign to give voice to the majority support to end the war. Incumbents in targeted House and Senate races will face a highly visible, vocal pressure campaign reminding the voters of their record on the Iraq war. "The people of this country have decided about this war. It is long past time for Congress to honor their wishes," she said.
United for Peace and Justice is the largest grassroots anti-war coalition in the country, consisting of more than 1,400 local and national groups throughout the United States, who have joined together to protest the immoral and disastrous Iraq War and oppose our government's policy of permanent warfare and empire-building. UFPJ has organized the largest anti-war demonstrations in both NYC and Washington, DC, over the past five years. For more details, go to www.unitedforpeace.org.
