TO ALL,

 

Today we have 396 signatures at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/GulfWarillness/index.html

not exactly overwhelming.

 

But more to the point what we are trying to do here is show the defense appropriations subcommittee there is support for Research into finding the right diagnostic test, biomarkers, and some treatment options for Gulf War illness. 

 

The request was made for 30 million dollars for the Congressional Directed Medical Research Program for Gulf War Illness to the Defense Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee by Representative Kucinich and Shays plus 7 Representatives that put in the earmark for these funds to the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee in the House.

 

We have Senator Sanders doing the same to the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

 

Now between now and the third week of April is the critical time for this action to be made part of both the House and Senate Defense Appropriations for FY08. 

 

That is why we want the phone calls and faxes now to members of the Senate and House Subcommittee on Defense Appropriations.  It is very important to focus this effort because we have limited time on the appropriations process.

 

Important to realize that Bills that are not part of Appropriations process can be picked up after this time and pushed.  Or after you have done the calls and faxes on this task, then pick back up on the other bills that we fight to get cosponsors for.

 

Second it is always good to notify by emails to your own Representative and Senator the effort being made for their information only right now.  Why, because if we are unsuccessful in getting this earmark in the original bill for Defense Appropriations then we can fall back to  an alternative action course of action of amendments to the Defense Appropriations FY08 bill when it goes to the floor.  By witting your  Representative and Senators of our interest now and keeping them informed that when bill does reach floor and does not have this item in it --there will be amendments made by the House and Senate members that are working to get it in to original bill and we would expect their support for that amendment if it is needed at that time!

 

Now remember we need phone calls....faxes to the members listed at end of instructions to follow.  And I need to have feedback if you are making calls and faxes....and responses to your talking to them.  Email me at DSNurse@... with that information re who all did you call and what were their comments and how many of the list did you fax.

 

The calls have to be made to the DC office numbers given.  The staffer you want to talk to is not the veterans staffer of the office but the Defense Appropriation staffer for each member!  Take the name down!

 

If you have questions email me at DSNurse@....