Legislation & Politics

Letter to Senate in Support of FY07 Supplemental Spending Bill

March 27, 2007

Dear Senator:

 On behalf of the 1.4 million members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), I am writing in strong support of the Senate emergency supplemental spending bill (S. 965), and urge you to vote in favor.  It takes important, necessary steps towards bringing the Iraq war to an end, and funds vital domestic priorities.

 The length of the Iraq War has now eclipsed our country's participation in both World Wars and the Korean War.  Even Bush Administration officials have acknowledged that the situation in Iraq has deteriorated into a civil war.  From the outset, the Administration has miscalculated the costs of the war, failed to provide an effective post-invasion plan, and sent our troops into battle without sufficient and effective protective equipment.  The supplemental spending bill's provision that establishes a specific timetable for withdrawal of most of our country's forces from Iraq no later than March 31, 2008 reflects a realistic assessment that a fundamental course-change is imperative to end this misguided war.  At the same time, the supplemental supports our troops by providing almost $100 billion for Iraq, Afghanistan, and the global war on terror.

 The supplemental bill also funds vital domestic priorities that have also become emergencies.  The bill provides $745 million to cover an anticipated shortfall this year in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in 14 states.  Other positive provisions include $2 billion for Homeland Security programs; $4.3 billion for veterans' health accounts; $6.7 billion for the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; and $4.2 billion for drought relief and agricultural disasters.  The Senate legislation also includes emergency funding for forest firefighting, low-income energy assistance and pandemic flu preparations.

 The emergency supplemental spending bill is a critically important first step towards extricating our country from a war that was launched under false pretenses and has produced tragic results.  It also contains vital federal support for key domestic priorities.  I therefore urge you to vote yes on S. 965 and to oppose any efforts to weaken the troop withdrawal language.

      Sincerely,
      GERALD W. McENTEE
      International President

 

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