David Swanson reports that Dennis Kucinich and Lynn Woolsey have written a letter (PDF) to the Democrats who voted "no" on the supplemental, urging them to vote "no" on the conference report (which, per Louise Slaughter, will not include the Lieberman photo amendment).

Fifteen members have already said they will not vote for the supplemental, and 11 are leaning "no."  It takes 39 Democrats to stop the bill from passing.

You can use our Whip Tool to find contact information for members who voted "no" on the supplemental, those who committed to vote against any war funding that didn’t contain troop withdrawal provisions, and those who object to the bill because of the IMF provisions.  The calls are working, so keep ‘em coming.  Ask them if they will sign on to the Kucinich-Woolsey letter.

Full text below the jump.

June 9, 2009

Dear Colleague,

We commend your vote in opposition to H.R. 2346, Supplemental Appropriations  for Fiscal Year 2009.  We urge you to continue to oppose the War Supplemental conference report.

Despite the current focus on disagreements over funding for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, the primary intent of this legislation is to continue funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  As Members who remain opposed to continued, prolonged or protracted war or occupation on one or more fronts we must make clear our strong opposition and work to defeat this bill.  It is notable that attempts to make important changes to the legislation, such as the call for an exit strategy from Afghanistan or demands for increased transparency and accountability at the IMF, have been rebuffed.

Continued funding of war operations in Iraq ensures a continued occupation thereby undermining the stated U.S. goal for withdrawal by the end of 2010.  Funds for Iraq should be dedicated to bringing all of our troops and contractors home immediately.  We must met  our moral obligation to rebuild Iraq and support viable solutions to the crises faced by the refugee and internally displaced populations.  As such, the U.S. must maintain a continued commitment to the country of Iraq that does not include war or occupation.

Funding expanded combat operations in Afghanistan will not meet the security objectives of the U.S.  Sending additional brave American service members to Afghanistan does not increase security and it is not an act of diplomacy.  This approach only encourages the Taliban and other insurgent groups to do likewise, while fueling their recruiting efforts.  The bill ensured that the months and perhaps years ahead will be bloody.  And the bill fails to present an exit strategy.

Voting down the funds for war honors the mandate to end the war in Iraq that was given to this body by the American people in November of 2006. Furthermore, defeat of the War Supplemental sends a clear message about U.S. priorities at home and abroad.

Congress must use the power of the purse to end combat operations.  When the War Supplemental conference comes to the Floor for a vote I urge you to continue to vote no.

Sincerely,

Dennis Kucinich
Member of Congress		 Lynn Woolsey
Member of Congress