Dear CODEPINK activist,

The September 24 mobilization was a real boost to the anti-war movement. We are still buzzing from the experience of marching with hundreds of thousands of people, all of us working for peace. With our success comes a deepened resolve, and a renewed opportunity to end the war. Congress, the entity that started and can stop this war, heard our message loud and clear. Members are joining the ranks of those wanting a swift end to the war; since our Lobby Day on September 26, we managed to pull some into supporting anti-war legislation and joining the Out of Iraq Caucus. More will follow if we keep pushing.

But, true to form, Congress is still slow to respond, especially when it comes to de-funding the war. This week, Senators, afraid to be seen as jeopardizing national security, will approve the $441 billion defense authorization budget (including $50 billion for military operations in Iraq). Our job is to increase the pressure to stop the war. We need to convince them that continuing the war is not making us safe, and we will not tolerate cutting essential domestic programs to pay the outrageous costs that keep it going. We need to take advantage of every opportunity to de-fund, curtail and undo the damaging policies this war has provoked. We won't be able to stop the funding today, but we can support amendments to the Defense budget that point us in the right direction. Despite Bush's threat of veto, Sen. McCain has been pushing hard to make it illegal to abuse and torture detainees under U.S. government control. The Senate may vote this week on his amendment No. 1977 as part of the Defense Appropriations bill, and we need to support McCain's efforts.

Call or email your Senators TODAY and tell him/her:

• Vote YES on McCain's amendment No. 1977 on the treatment of detainees (see text below)

• You will not tolerate domestic cuts to pay for a senseless war.

McCain, et al's amendment to the 2006 Defense Spending Bill:
Sens. McCain (R-AZ), Graham (R-SC), Hagel (R-NE), Smith (R-OR) and Collins (R-ME) amendment No. 1977 stating that no individual in the custody or under the physical control of the United States Government, regardless of nationality or physical location, shall be subject to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment and further stating that no person in the custody or under the effective control of the Department of Defense or under detention in a Department of Defense facility shall be subject to any treatment or technique of interrogation not authorized by and listed in the United States Army Field Manual on Intelligence Interrogation.

Spending for the war and occupation in Iraq surpassed $11 billion in June alone, increasing average monthly spending 27% in 2005 compared to 2004, and there is still no end in sight. After this $50 billion of additional appropriations, we can expect the White House to ask for more funding for the war as we move further into 2006. Meanwhile, estimates for reconstruction of the Gulf Coast after Katrina have reached $200 billion, without including the recovery costs of Hurricane Rita. Bush has already suggested we cut domestic programs to offset the billions. What an outrageous proposal in the face of tax cuts for the rich and out-of-control military spending in Iraq! In a recent poll, 54% of Americans said the cuts should come from Iraq war spending, not domestic spending. Make sure you let your Senators know you will not support domestic budget cuts to fuel Bush's war.

Please make two calls, one to each Senator. In addition to calling your Senators, send an email to their offices. Click here to find their phone number and email.

However clever the chant, "Make levees not war!", it is our truth to power. We will hold our elected officials accountable for choosing warfare over people's welfare.

Turn your outrage into action!

Andrea, Dana, Emily, Farida, Gael, Grace, Jodie, Medea, Rae, and Tiffany

P.S. We have a full plate of work before us -- legislative pressure TO STOP THE WAR, statewide campaigns to bring the National Guard home, countering the aggressive military recruiters, supporting the vets and military moms who are speaking out. Please support our efforts by joining a local CODEPINK and making a tax-deductible donation. We greatly appreciate your help.