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Contacting Your Legislators  

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March 14, 2018

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SEXUAL ASSAULT

ACTIVE NONVIOLENCE & PEACEMAKING
victoryVictory in Afghanistan Will Now Be 'Political' not Military
U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has said he believes victory in Afghanistan is still possible - not necessarily on the battlefield but in facilitating a Taliban reconciliation with the Afghan government.  Mattis spoke shortly before arriving in Kabul and said he would be meeting with President Ashraf Ghani and top U.S. commanders.  MORE
 
palestinianPalestinian Children's Rights Focus of New US Bill
Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) has introduced a bill that seeks to prevent US involvement in human rights abuses that impact Palestinian children. The Promoting Human Rights by Ending Israeli Military Detention of Human Rights Act, H.R.4391, would require the US secretary of state to ensure that US financial aid to Israel does not contribute to the "ill-treatment" of Palestinian children in the West Bank.   MORE
 
how_toHow to Buy a Gun in 15 Countries
Many Americans can buy a gun in less than an hour. But in some countries, the process takes months. Many countries have exceptions for specialized professions, and local laws vary.  To help put the United States' federal gun laws into perspective, the New York Times has published a report of the basic steps required to buy a gun in 15 different countries.  MORE
NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT
action alert small TAKE promoteACTION: Promote Diplomacy with North Korea
South Korea just announced a diplomatic breakthrough with North Korea. It is a historic opportunity for peace. But Trump hasn't appointed a real ambassador to South Korea. And just last week, the State Department's senior diplomat in charge of North Korea resigned. Win Without War urges us to tell Congress to demand Trump fill these diplomatic positions immediately. TAKE ACTION

moreMore Funds Spurn Nuclear Arms, Financing Still Strong
The number of pension funds and asset managers that refuse to invest in nuclear armament makers appears to be growing, although financing is still abundant, an annual survey by anti-nuclear campaigners said. The report, entitled "Don't Bank on the Bomb", found that 22 financial institutions comprehensively prevented any involvement in nuclear weapon producing companies in 2017, up from 13 in 2015. MORE
IMMIGRATION
iceICE Spokesman Quits, Disputes Agency's Claim That 800 Eluded Arrest
The spokesman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) resigned after the agency's recent Northern California sweep, saying the Trump administration made false public statements about the operation. James Schwab says that officials, including U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, grossly over-reported the number of undocumented immigrants who escaped arrest because they were tipped off by the mayor of Oakland. MORE
 
justiceJustice Department Sues California Over Impeding Immigration Enforcement
The Justice Department is suing California and two top state officials, accusing them of interfering with federal immigration efforts by passing and enforcing state laws that hinder U.S. operations against undocumented people. The new case represents an escalation of the long-running battle between the Trump administration and California's Democratic governor, Jerry Brown, and attorney general, Xavier Becerra
MORE
ENVIRONMENT
action alert small TAKE no_moreACTION: No More Favors for Factory Farms
Two bills  moving through Congress will let factory farms avoid reporting toxic air emissions and shield them from lawsuits from citizens whose drinking water they've contaminated. These bills could be voted on as early as next week. Food and Water Watch urges us to tell your Senators and Representative to stand up for their constituents and not Big Ag. TAKE ACTION
 
epaEPA Finds Black Americans Face More Health-Threatening Air Pollution
Black Americans are subjected to higher levels of air pollution than white Americans regardless of their wealth, researchers with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have concluded. Researchers found that this significant exposure is linked to lung disease, heart disease, and premature death. MORE

twenty_two22 National Science Academies Urge Government Action on Climate Change
As the White House resists efforts to address climate change, thousands of scientists from around the world are saying their governments need to take bolder steps to lower greenhouse gas emissions. This week, the national science academies of 22 countries issued a statement that governments have a responsibility to "protect ourselves, our children and our planet." MORE
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
statesStates Considering Porn-Watching Fee
Rhode Island is considering a $20 "digital access fee" on customers wanting to view "sexual content and patently offensive material." The purpose of this legislation is to protect children from viewing websites that could have possible detrimental effects on their psyches and developmental process. Like a similar bill in the Virginia House, the money collected would be used to help combat human trafficking. MORE
 
survivorsSurvivors of Human Trafficking, in Their Own Words
The Atlantic  is presenting three essays written by women who have survived human trafficking here in the United States.  They tell the stories of women who came to America looking for a better life but instead found astonishing cruelty. MORE
 
indiaIndia Aims to Give 500,000 Trafficking Survivors Vocational Training
India will offer vocational training to almost half a million survivors of human trafficking under a program launched this week by the government. The three-month course will evaluate the educational levels of those rescued from slavery, and build their confidence, according to an Indian anti-trafficking charity that will run the program. MORE
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SEXUAL ASSAULT
action alert small TAKE prioritizeACTION: Prioritize Funding for Eliminating Domestic Violence
Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault are coming forward after living in the shadows for years, even decades. Survivors need to know that when they come forward for help and support, it will be available. The National Network to End Domestic Violence provides a way to tell Congress to prioritize funding for the elimination of domestic violence.   TAKE ACTION
 
howHow the Most Vulnerable Workers Are Targeted For Sexual Abuse
Researchers estimate that about 50 workers are sexually assaulted each day, and in the industries that hire newcomers to the country in exchange for meager paychecks, such assault is a familiar workplace hazard.  We expect victims to report these crimes - but the reality is that for most of these workers, financial constraint, uncertain immigration status, and shame often conspire to keep them silent. MORE
POVERTY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
action alert small TAKEprotect ACTION: Protect International Food Aid in the Farm Bill
As Congress deliberates about the 2018 Farm Bill, it is crucial to protect key food security programs. They provide lifesaving emergency assistance to those affected by conflict and natural disasters and address the root causes of hunger through sustainable development. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops urges us to tell Congress to support international food security programs authorized in the Farm Bill.TAKE ACTION
 
whyWhy Child Ca re Costs More than College Tuition
Child care for infants costs more than tuition at four-year public colleges in 28 states and the District of Columbia. Similarly, child care for 4-year-olds costs more than public college tuition in 15 states and the District of Columbia. Whether center-based or family child care the average cost of child care nationally exceeds $8,600 per year. But, as a nation, there are ways to both improve the quality and increase the affordability of child care. MORE

vaVA Plan Would Provide Every Service Member with Mental Health Benefits
Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin said he will send President Donald Trump a proposal that would provide every service member with mental health benefits when they leave the military. "Suicide prevention is the top clinical priority," said Shulkin. "We've expanded our veterans crisis line, we are expanding the number of mental health professionals." MORE
DEATH PENALTY
action alert small
 
scheduled2Scheduled Executions 

Carlton Gary is scheduled to be executed on March 15 by the state of Georgia for the murder of Florence Scheible, Martha Thurmond, and Kathleen Woodruff. Please hold Carlton, Florence, Martha, Kathleen, their families, and the people of Georgia in prayer. TAKE ACTION
 
Michael Wayne Eggers is scheduled to be executed on March 15 by the state of Alabama for the murder of Bennie Francis Murray . Please hold Michael, Bennie, their families and the people of Alabama in prayer. TAKE ACTION

Russell Bucklew is scheduled to be executed on March 20 by the state of Missouri for the murder of Michael Sanders.   Please hold Russell, Michael, their  families and the people of Missouri in prayer. TAKE ACTION
 
Rosendo Rodriguez is scheduled to be executed on March 27 by the state of Texas for the murders of Summer Baldwin. Please hold Rosenda, Summer, their families and the people of Texas in prayer. TAKE ACTION

CORPORATE PUBLIC STANDS 

 corporate_standsThe Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton Iowa have taken the following corporate stands:

Death Penalty

Nuclear Weapons

Immigration Reform

Human Trafficking 

 

  

phone HOW TO CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS
phone
Contacting your elected officials is one of the most effective ways to bring about positive change.  You can find the names and contact information of your local members of congress by entering your zip code at:

                  Here are phone numbers for elected officials for Clinton, Iowa:
 
President
Donald Trump    

(202) 456-1414

Senators - Iowa
Chuck Grassley   
Joni Ernst

(202) 224-3744
   
(202) 224-3254
US Representative
Clinton area District 2 
Dave Loebsack 


(202) 225-6576
Governor - Iowa
Kim Reynolds       


(515) 281-5211


   The main switchboard for Congress is: (202) 224-3121