I just returned from an exciting Washington trip. The heat and humidity can’t stop the march of progress. And PDA is in the middle of some cool happenings.
During my short trip, I was able to meet with such progressive members of Congress as John Conyers, Barbara Lee, John Hall and Jim McGovern. For nearly two years, we’ve backed Rep. McGovern’s legislation to bring our troops home from Iraq; on this trip,
the stalwart progressive from Massachusetts agreed to become the 7th member of Congress to join PDA’s national advisory board.We’re honored by Rep. McGovern’s support for PDA.
And what a thrill it was to hear Donna Smith, the PDA member from Colorado featured in Michael Moore’s
SiCKO, testify so powerfully before Congress about the healthcare system-induced bankruptcy she and her husband suffered. They are shown at the beginning of
SiCKO moving into a spare room in their daughter’s home. Click on “
Mrs. Smith Goes to Washington” to see her eloquent testimony in support of HR 676, single-payer “Enhanced Medicare for All” healthcare.
To join Donna Smith and Michael Moore in support of HR 676,
contact your Congress member to urge co-sponsorship of the bill.
In my meetings on Capitol Hill, I learned of some vital developments on healthcare and Iraq. Help PDA move forward in the next months by making a
https://www.pdamerica.org/donate.php">generous donation now, or by becoming a
https://www.pdamerica.org/donate.php">monthly sustainer.
One development on Iraq is the possibility of a
prompt floor vote in the House on Barbara Lee’s bill HR 2929,
barring any funds for permanent bases in Iraq or to exercise U.S. control over Iraqi oil. Congressional Quarterly reports that the Democratic leadership is now backing Lee’s bill, and that it has GOP leaders on the defensive.
Stay alert this week and be ready to contact your Congress member (switchboard 202-224-3121) in support of HR 2929 sponsored by PDA advisory board member Barbara Lee.
And don’t forget an important event coming up in August: PDA’s 3rd anniversary! Help PDA kick off year four with
https://www.pdamerica.org/donate.php">a donation or by becoming a monthly PDA sustainer.
Even better, recruit several activist allies to become sustainers. The only thing that holds PDA back is funding.
Yours for an ever-growing PDA,
Tim Carpenter
National Director
Progressive Democrats of America is a grassroots PAC that works both inside the Democratic Party and outside in movements for peace and justice. Our goal: Extend the victory of Nov. 2006 into a permanent, progressive majority. PDA’s advisory board includes seven members of Congress and activist leaders such as Tom Hayden, Cindy Sheehan, Medea Benjamin and Rev. Lennox Yearwood. More info:
http://pdamerica.org/.