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Legislative update on the Colombia vote
July 1, 2005

Dear WFP Colombia Advocates,

Good afternoon everyone! The vote, held Tuesday, June 28, was 234-189 against the McGovern-McCollum-Moore amendment. While disappointed with the loss, breaking 175 means we did well. We gained 18 Republicans, though we did lose more Democrats. This is a very respectable showing, especially given a Congress less than receptive to our political will and commitment to non-military solutions. You all worked hard, intelligently and with heart, and it showed. 

To find out how your Representative voted, click here.

Colombia was THE most hotly debated issue in the Foreign Operations Bill. While the Colombia debate went on for an hour, most other amendments were small and folded without even going to a recorded vote. Our Congressional allies were impressive! They addressed most all of the concerns voiced by our partners in Colombia in their statements. With eloquence and appropriate sarcasm, they critiqued failed drug policy and emphasized the imperative of alternative development reform. They illustrated human rights concerns through discussing Afro-Colombian and church leader issues and reminding their colleagues of the certification dilemma still before the State Department. Indeed, Congress approved additional funding when State has not even been able to release funds from 2004 because of human rights violations by the designated beneficiaries! 

You all helped make this happen. We can trace the “Yes” votes of some swings and Republicans to your efforts. Inspiring. As Representative McGovern writes in his letter of thanks to all of who worked on the vote, this really was a great team and coalition effort. You can read his letter at this link. While our efforts didn’t produce a “win” in Congress, we find reward in our faithfulness to fulfilling our commitment to our Colombian friends and colleagues, to the work for peace and justice in and of itself as a growing, consolidated community. 

Just as you deserve thanks, follow-up work with our Congressional allies who also put their heart and long hours into this vote is really important. Special thanks to Rep. McGovern, McCollum and Moore for sponsoring the amendment; Minority leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi and minority whip Rep. Schakowsky for their active support; those who spoke passionately in favor of the amendment, including Reps. Farr, Skelton, Obey, Lowey, Honda, Schakowsky, Paul and Meeks. We need to thank those who voted right, especially Republicans, and new Democrats. Let’s express our disappointment, in no uncertain terms, with those Democrats who voted wrong. Those personal letters really do make a difference. 

Thanks again for all your efforts. It’s a privilege and joy to work with you.

For peace,
Janna
janna@witnessforpeace.org