Fund International Reconstruction of Iraq

Urge Congress to Fund International Reconstruction in Iraq, not Military Occupation

September 30, 2003   [posted 10-1-03]

As members of Congress left Washington to avoid Hurricane Isabel, the White House sent a formal request for $87 billion in additional spending for Fiscal Year 2004 (FY04) to cover military and reconstruction operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The majority of the Administration's request--$66 billion--is for military operations, with $21 billion earmarked for reconstruction activities. Many in Congress, while supporting the military funding without question, are now engaged in partisan posturing that pits our nation's poor against the victims of war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, during his September 22 visit to the U.N. General Assembly, President Bush was not able to garner significant international contributions--in troops or money--to help rebuild Iraq. One of the main issues of conflict was the Administration's refusal to vest any greater authority in the United Nations.

The current path of this administration is not serving to increase security or address the needs of the most vulnerable, in either the U.S. or the rest of world. More money devoted to war-fighting, military occupation, and reconstruction designed to benefit U.S. corporations more than the Iraqi people will not advance peace and security in Iraq or Afghanistan. The Administration's latest supplemental request of $87 billion comes in addition to $78.5 billion appropriated by Congress through an initial supplemental request in April. Current operations in Iraq now cost $1 billion per week, and estimates for long-term costs top $400 billion. Meanwhile, U.S. troops continue to be attacked daily in Iraq, and elements of the Taliban and al Qaeda are reconstituting in Afghanistan.

ACTION: Please contact your Members of Congress today. Urge them to oppose the continued U.S. military occupation of Iraq and condition any supplemental funding on significant change in U.S. policy. Congress should act to transfer authority for operations in Iraq out of the Department of Defense and into the State Department, and to vest independent authority in the U.N. to help restore security and guide the economic and political reconstruction process. Urge your Members to avoid partisan posturing that pits the most vulnerable in the U.S. against the victims of the Administration's war policies, and to support generous U.S. funding for civilian rebuilding in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

VISIT YOUR SENATORS! The Senate has scheduled a recess from October 4-13. This is an excellent opportunity to meet with your senators in their state offices. Contact the state office of your senators now to make an appointment during the upcoming recess and express your concerns in person.

Take action now through the CapWiz website!