After a historic vote on an amendment to the Foreign Operations Appropriations bill in Congress on June 9, 2006, the legislative campaign gained new support for the closure of the SOA/ WHINSEC in the House of Representatives.
Now our focus switches back to HR 1217, legislation that would suspend operations at the school and investigate the use of torture manuals used as part of the school's curriculum. If your Representative voted "yes" on the amendment in early June but is not yet a cosponsor of HR 1217, please contact your Representative, thank them for their support, and ask that they join 134 of their bipartisan colleagues and cosponsor this important legislation.
Read more information on the results [1] of the WHINSEC amendment and see how your Representative voted.
NEXT STOP FORT BENNING: People all over the hemisphere who are working to close the SOA are gearing up for the Vigil to Close the SOA, to be held this year at Fort Benning, Georgia from November 17-19, 2006.
A great tool available for you and your group is available for free on the SOA Watch website. The November Organizing Packet [2] contains information about what to expect at Ft. Benning, logistical information to assist your trip planning, media, legislative, fundraising and outreach tips and resources, and flyers you can reproduce and use in your community. View or download the packet.
It’s never too early to book your lodging for the weekend. Contact the Columbus Visitors’ Bureau at 1-800-999-1613 for the latest info on hotel availability and visit SOA Watch's hotel list [3].
Find out more information on the vigil [4], including resources to assist your organizing.