E-Newsletter

E-Newsletter
September 30, 2005

Dear Friends:

This week the U.S. House reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), landmark legislation to combat domestic violence and sexual assault in our homes and communities. I am committed to protecting women by keeping VAWA strong. VAWA has saved lives in our community by significantly improving our response to violence against women.

Recent reports allege that more than $1-2 billion intended for procurement for Iraqi forces disappeared during the eight months that the U.S. appointed interim government was in charge. I have sent a letter to the Chairman of the U.S. House International Relations Committee urging immediate hearings to investigate the disappearance of these funds. This scandal directly impacts U.S. troops, slowing the readiness of Iraqi forces and forcing U.S. troops to remain in Iraq for a longer period of time.

Sadly, 30 years of protections that have saved animals like the bald eagle from extinction were weakened this week by House Republicans. Republican rollbacks to the Endangered Species Act will significantly reduce the ability of the government to enforce protections for habitat needed by endangered species for recovery. I am committed to protecting the Endangered Species Act from political attacks and defending our environment for future generations.

Sincerely,

Betty McCollum
Member of Congress

http://www.mccollum.house.gov/vertical/Sites/%7B6CD95013-7C42-4AD8-A464-EB8D8679E9C9%7D/uploads/%7BC34DF8A5-4431-41C4-B89C-90659163CF1D%7D.PDF