Healthcare and warfare have been on the front burner this past week—for PDA and Congress.

While Congress continues to dither on health insurance reform, I represented PDA at the “Labor Campaign for Single-Payer” conference in Washington, DC. Medicare-for-all advocates continue to organize—building alliances and pushing forward on the state level—for the best workable solution to the healthcare crisis.

Following the conference, I traveled the halls of Congress with PDA Advisory Board members Steve Shaff and Steve Cobble. We met with board members Reps. John Conyers, Jr., Raul Grijalva, Jim McGovern and Donna Edwards, along with CNA’s Michael Lighty and Donna Smith. We discussed states’ rights to pursue single-payer reforms and support for the Kucinich privileged resolution to end the Afghan war. We had a great meeting with Rep. Dennis Kucinich, too.

Two PDA Advisory Board members are featured this week on Agitator Voices of PDA, Rep. Donna Edwards and Jim Hightower are interviewed. Listen here.

On Wednesday, March 10–after more than eight years–Congress finally debated the Afghan war. Our efforts to whip support paid off–65 members of Congress voted to end US military involvement there. They deserve a vote of thanks from the peace movement!

If your representative is among the “65 ayes,” please let them know you support their vote to end the Afghan war. Find their contact info here.

The next Brown Bag Lunch Vigil is on March 17. Please attend the one near you, or create one. Get promotional materials here. Let’s raise awareness in all congressional districts for Healthcare NOT Warfare!

In solidarity,

Tim Carpenter,
PDA National Director