The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is set to vote on authorizing our latest war in Iraq and Syria this week – perhaps on WEDNESDAY. Call your Senator before the vote using this special toll-free* number: 877-429-0678. This number will connect you with the Capitol Switchboard operator, and you can ask to be connected to your Senator’s office.
You can say: “I am a member of Veterans For Peace. I understand the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will be debating the use of force against ISIL. I urge the Senator to oppose authorizing force in Iraq and Syria. However, if there are opportunities to constrain the use of force, such as by prohibiting ground troops, I urge the Senator to support those constraints.”
With congressional hawks set to take the reins of power in the Senate, this is our last best chance to prevent further expansion of this new war.
Use of force will not solve the problems that plague the region; indeed, violence has created many of them. Instead, the U.S. needs to lead an effective response to stop the violence perpetrated by ISIS and to help people in the region restore security. (See statements by VFP and Win Without War.)
Remember, the holiday break is another opportunity to meet with your Senators and Representatives while they are in town.
Thank you for all you do for peace!
Michael T. McPhearson
*Toll-free number provided by the Friends Committee on National Legislation, a Win Without War coalition