ASK CONGRESS TO SUPPORT CHANGES
IN COLOMBIA POLICY
June 18, 2007
Dear Friends,
Now is a crucial moment to take action for peace and justice in Colombia. Congress has called for a major shift in the composition of U.S. aid to Colombia. This year’s foreign aid bill contains a number of changes that reflect your hard work for peace over the past several years. The significant shift would change the previous funding from approximately 80% military and 20% development to 55% military and 45% development.
As a result, a significant portion of U.S. fund’s for military and aerial spraying would now be designated for rural development, justice, and support for the victims of this multiple decade conflict. This “economic aid” includes increased assistance for Colombia’s internally displaced population, for Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities, and support for judicial reform.
The foreign aid bill will be presented on the House floor for a vote this week. At that time, there is the possibility of amendments, which could change the final outcome of the bill. These amendments could potentially “undo” some of the progress that you have worked so hard to achieve.
Tell your members of Congress that this change in aid is still directed toward reducing drug production, but in a much more effective and sustainable way. For example, by increasing funds for development assistance to farmers, they will be able to find alternatives to producing drug crops.
Take Action
Call your representative in the House today and urge him/her to stand behind the new approach to Colombia. Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 to be connected to your representative’s office.
When you call, ask to speak with the foreign policy aide. Here is a sample script for your call:
“I am a constituent calling to encourage Rep. _________ to support the changes that have been made to the Colombia aid package in this year’s foreign aid bill. It is past time that we seek a new strategy in Colombia. For the past seven years, more than 80 percent of U.S. tax dollars sent through Plan Colombia went to military aid. I support the shift to increase economic and social assistance for Colombia included in this year’s foreign aid bill, and I urge the representative to vote “no” on any amendments that might reverse these changes.”
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ACTION
Thank you for your tireless work. When you raise your voice in solidarity, the sound is heard around the world.
