“NO” on current proposed FY 2013 Pentagon Budget! and

Last week, we learned that the House version of the Farm bill would cut billions of dollars from the food stamps program (SNAP) with the result that hundreds of thousands of low income children could lose their school lunches and 2-3 million Americans could go hungry. The explanation for this? In light of the federal deficit, our country can't afford to give assistance to all these people.

And yet this week the House leadership is seeking passage of the FY2013 Defense Appropriations bill, which includes a base Pentagon budget of $519 billion and another $88.5 billion to pay for the War in Afghanistan, amounting to 57% of all federal appropriations for the coming year. Click here for more info.

It is distorted priorities like these that are the real threat to our national security. The greatest danger for our country is our society's failure to provide adequate food, shelter, health care and education for those who need it, while at the same time subsidizing unnecessary wars and the profits of military contractors.

Speak Up Now:

Let your member of Congress know that you oppose the FY2013 Pentagon Budget. House Switchboard 202-224-3121

Ask that she/he vote for the Lee amendments and any others, which eliminate funding for continued fighting in Afghanistan, for the use of drones and for expensive and unnecessary weapons systems.

Vote against the FY2013 Pentagon Appropriation bill, unless it includes the amendments mentioned above and substantially lower funding levels.

Use the saved Pentagon money to adequately fund domestic needs.

For more information, check out UFPJ's Statement on FY2013 Defense Appropriations issued last week and signed by leaders of national and local peace and social justice organizations.

Speak Out Today!!

• Call your Member of Congress. Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121.

• Send an email to your Member of Congress

• Bring a delegation of constituents to their local office, with a written statement.

• Write a letter to the editor, alerting others in your district of the upcoming vote and your Rep's position.

(Find contact information for your Rep and Staff here. And please share any feedback with UFPJ.)

As always, we ask that you please disseminate this message widely and quickly to family, friends and colleagues. Click here to send a letter to your Representative and to forward this alert!

- UFPJ Legislative Working Group

United for Peace & Justice