Thursday, January 15, 2009

Various Things

Thanks to Marie Lucey of LCWR for these reminders:

SCHIP: The US House of Representatives voted yesterday to reauthorize and expand SCHIP, expanding coverage for an additional 4 million children through fiscal year 2013. Be aware of alerts in the future to urge the signing of this bill early in the Obama administration.

Gaza: Last Friday, the House voted 390 yes, 5 no and 22 present to pass H.Res 34,"recognizing Israel's right to defend itself" and reaffirming the United States strong support for Israel." The Senate passed a similar resolution by unanimous consent. The US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation opposed these reolutions because they failed to call for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian aid to the occupied Gaza Strip as required under the terms of the UN Security Council Resolution 1860. The resolution is very one-sided, placing blame fully on Palestinians. BUT, Rep. Dennis Kucinich plans to introduce a resolution calling for "an immediate and unconditional ceasefire" and "unrestricted humanitarian access" to the occupied Gaza Strip. The US Campaign andPax Christi support this resolution. WE ARE URGED TO CALL REPRESENTATIVES NOW: Thank the Rep if he/she voted "no" or "present" on H.Res. 43 and ask him/her to co-sponsor Rep. Kucinich's resolution. Express disagreement with a "yes" vote and ask the Rep to cosponsor. AND CALL SENATORS NOW: express disagreement with the vote on S. Res. 10 and ask them to introduce a resolution in the Senate similar to Rep. Kucinich's resolution. LET PAX CHRISTI KNOW how members of Congress are responding by emailing congress@endtheoccupation.org. (More details about Gaza on the P.C. website, www.paxchristiusa.org .)

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