On March 16, the US House of Representatives voted to spend another $81.4 billion in taxpayer dollars for war and destruction, by approving an emergency supplemental appropriations bill that had been proposed by the Bush administration. If approved by the Senate, this bill will push the total cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan beyond $300 billion.

We need to immediately send a clear message to our Senators that not one more dime should go to waging war in Iraq. Instead, the U.S. must end the occupation, bring our troops home, and support Iraqi sovereignty. It is time for us to demand that the Administration and Congress stop perpetuating the cycle of violence in Iraq, stop sending so many soldiers and civilians to their graves, and stop diverting precious resources that could be used to rebuild Iraq and fund critical domestic needs.

Spending more money on war is NOT the equivalent of supporting our troops. The best way to support the troops is to bring them home safely and make sure their veterans' benefits aren't slashed.

CALL YOUR SENATORS!

Call the Capitol switchboard and ask to be connected with your Senators: 202-224-3121 (9-5 EST). We want to flood Senate offices with calls from every district in the nation. See below for talking points.

TALKING POINTS FROM UNITED FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE

Tell your members of Congress that when they receive Bush's $80 billion supplemental appropriation request they should:

1. Oppose new funds: Congress should halt new funds for U.S. military operations in Iraq. Any new funds should be allocated solely for troop withdrawal and interim troop protection.

2. Support amendments to the appropriations bill that call for an end to the occupation and support Iraqi sovereignty. We need to halt U.S. military actions immediately, shift U.S. troops immediately to the borders of Iraq, declare our intention to begin full withdrawal of troops, and leave no U.S. bases behind. We also need to give Iraqis full control over reconstruction funds, Iraqi ministries and government, and new police and security forces. The U.S. should terminate contracts with U.S. companies and turn projects over to Iraqis, and provide transparent accounting of all U.S. contracts.

3. Support the Woolsey (D-CA) resolution calling on the President to begin the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.

4. Stabilize Iraq: Commit to long-term U.S. financial support for Iraqi-led reconstruction and allow the UN and other international agencies to support Iraq democracy free from U.S. intervention, and if the Iraqis want that assistance.

5. Provide real support for our troops: End the "stop-loss" policies that keep troops on active duty far beyond their contracts, and overextend the Reserves and National Guard. Provide thorough psychological counseling, health care, and benefits to returning Iraq war veterans and their families. Bring our troops home!