Peace advocates should pay attention to several bills moving through the House this week.

Background:

1) The first will likely be considered today (Tuesday afternoon) and is H. Res. 568, which opens the door toward a possible military attack on Iran by saying that the United States will not tolerate a "nuclear-weapons capable" Iran. Read more about the bill in an earlier alert.

2) The second bill is the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bill, which moves through Congress every year, lays out funding priorities for the Pentagon. The bill sets funding levels $8 billion above the Budget Control Act caps and funds programs that the Pentagon says it doesn't want or need.

The bill in its current form contains similar language to H. Res. 568 on Iran's capability to produce a nuclear weapon, and also designates some funding specifically for planning for an attack against Iran. The bill also calls for a missile defense site on the East Coast.

Several amendments have been proposed which would: delay funding for the missile defense site; make clear that the bill does NOT authorize war with Iran; and cut funding for parts of the nuclear weapons complex. It is not clear yet which of the more than 200 amendments that have been submitted will actually be voted on. The bill is slated to move to the House floor Wednesday (5/16) with debate continuing through Friday (5/18).

Faith Reflection: Militarism plants seeds of war, not peace. Militarism is short-sighted and cannot create the long-term conditions for peace. Paul writes that loving enemies is the only way to overcome evil, rather than to simply suppress evil for a time (Romans 12:19-21).

Action: Call your House representative today. You can use the special toll free number provided by Friends Committee on National Legislation, 1-855-68 NO WAR (1-855-686-6927). Here is a sample call: 

• My name is _______ and I’m calling from _________
• I'm asking that Representative _______ speak out against H. Res. 568, because it will increase the chances of a U.S. war with Iran.  I am also concerned that the NDAA provides far too much funding for the Pentagon. Please support amendments to the NDAA which reduce the overall funding level, including cutting or delaying nuclear weapons-related programs, as well as amendments that make clear the bill does not authorize or endorse in any way military action against Iran.
• Thank you.

Alert prepared May 15, 2012 by Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach, Director, rals@mcc.org.