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Dear Friends, Congress has returned to session amidst one of the most chaotic and turbulent stretches in recent American politics. Over the past nine days, we have witnessed significant events: President Biden ending his presidential campaign and handing off the torch to Kamala Harris; an assassination attempt on former President Trump; the selection of Sen. J.D. Vance as Trump's running mate; and the Republican National Convention. This week, the chaos continues as the House seems unable to agree on key parts of the nation’s budget. Amidst this turmoil, Congress shamelessly welcomed war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu for an address to the body, a move that underscores how our legislative priorities have shifted disastrously from the needs of the people to the theatrics of politics. |
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Netanyahu’s Address: A Moment of National Shame |
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On Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel addressed a joint session of Congress. Netanyahu’s policies have been catastrophic for the people of Palestine, and to all in the region who aspire to live in freedom and equality.. His government has systematically undermined the rights of Palestinians, expanded illegal settlements, and perpetuated an occupation that has brought immense suffering to millions. He is the architect of Israel’s genocide in Palestine, and despite pressure from governments and human rights institutions worldwide, refuses to relent in his campaign of ethnic cleansing. Netanyahu's speech was not a diplomatic formality; it was a deliberate Congressional endorsement of his genocidal policies. Netanyahu's address came amid his government's brutal war in Gaza, characterized by massive death and destruction, an unprecedented, man-made humanitarian crisis of starvation and disease, and the deliberate targeting of schools, hospitals and aid providers. Instead of calling for a ceasefire and advocating for Palestinian sovereignty, Congress chose to platform a leader who is wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court. Any leader who attended this address is complicit in supporting these atrocious policies. We often ask ourselves what we would have done in the face of the atrocities of World War II, slavery, or the Jim Crow era. It is clear that elected officials like Jimmy Gomez would have simply stood by and done nothing. Their attendance at Netanyahu’s address was a testament to their cowardice and failure to stand up for what is right. This was a moment to stand up and say: Enough is enough. We cannot allow our Congress to be used as a stage for promoting leaders who are committing genocide. It’s time for our representatives to prioritize the needs of their constituents over the interests of foreign leaders who have shown a blatant disregard for both international law and our shared humanity. |
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Key Votes and Bills: |
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Congress continued slogging through the appropriations process with little success or agreement. The delays in passing usually noncontroversial pieces of the budget, like the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, suggest that a continuing resolution will most likely be signed in September. With this being the final legislative week before August Recess – the month-long period where there is no legislative business conducted in Washington, while Members of Congress go back to their districts – we will have to wait and see what happens next. |
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Call to Action |
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Our representatives must hear from us loud and clear. I urge you to call your representative and demand they sign onto H.Res 786, the Congressional resolution that calls for a permanent ceasefire. This is our chance to take a stand to stop genocide. Together, we can push for a Congress that truly works for the people, and reflects our shared values and priorities. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. Let's continue to push for a Congress that works for the people.
Additionally, call our California Senators and ask them to sponsor a bill for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.:
Not in CA-34?: You can find and contact your Representative’s and/or Senator’s information HERE. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our community. Together, we can make the change we need and advocate for a future rooted in justice and peace. It’s time for us.
It’s Time For Us, |
