Sierrans: Below is the very latest on the Budget Reconciliation as of a couple of hours ago in Washington. Even with the ANWR out of the bill, moderate Ršs are still nervous about this. The below message is mainly about the Food Stamp program, but elucidating anyway on the whole strategy...and the fact that the call of progressive groups like Sierra Club are having an effect. Leach is still on the list to call. Lyle ____________________________________________ Dear Colleagues, Here is a copy of a note posted to...extranet forum and...capwiz to e-advocacy networks this morning. Our calls have been making a difference: the debate was postponed this morning, no one is sure there are enough votes to pass this, even without the ANWR drilling provision. PLEASE CONTINUE CALLING ANY NAMES LISTED BELOW! Thanks! Drew G House To Vote on Spending Cuts TODAY This is it! This afternoon, House leaders plan a vote on the horrific bill cutting over $50 billion from vital programs. The bill is as bad as predicted: cuts to Medicaid, student loans, foster care, and child support among other provisions are unchanged. The ANWR drilling provision has been dropped from the bill in what amounts to a bait-and-switch, since it can be added back in conference with the Senate. The minor changes to the Food Stamp cuts are a sham. The largest Food Stamp cut for working poor families is unaffected. The cut to Food Stamps for many legal immigrants is still there, just phased in more slowly. The leadership STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE VOTES THEY NEED to pass the bill. Even though the ANWR provision has been pulled, a lot of moderates are still on the fence. This means that the NEXT FEW HOURS ARE CRITICAL! The vote can be held open as long as at takes to twist arms: Members against the budget must stay on the floor as long as it takes to cast their votes! CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE NOW!! Call 800-426-8073 to be connected for free to the capitol switchboard. The following undecided Representatives are the main targets: Biggert (IL), Ehlers (MI), Emerson (MO), English (PA), Ferguson (NJ), Fitzpatrick (PA), Fossella (NY), Gerlach (PA), Gilchrest (MD), Green (WI), Hart (PA), Jones (NC), Johnson (IL), Kelly (NY), Kirk (IL), LaTourette (OH), Leach (IA), LoBiondo (NJ), Murphy (PA), Porter (NV), Saxton (NJ), Schwarz (MI), Simmons (CT), Smith (NJ), Upton (MI), Walsh (NY), and Weldon (PA). ____________________________________________ Lyle Krewson Sierra Club, Iowa Chapter Lobbyist ____________________________________________ 6403 Aurora Avenue #3 Des Moines, IA 50322-2862 [log in to unmask] 515/276-8947 - Ofc/Res 515/238-7113 - Cel ____________________________________________ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp