While Congress and the President have been trying to negotiate a COVID-19 relief package hopefully to benefit the American people, Congress has easily approved a $740.5 billion defense funding bill for 2021, which largely benefits the Military-Industrial-Congressional Complex's private military contractors. Democrats and Republicans are again united as the American War Party. This bill was approved in an overwhelming bi-partisan vote of 335 - 78 with more Democrats (195) than Republicans (140) voting in favor.

Only 37 House Democrats voted No. Included in the number were Oregon Representatives Blumenuaer, and Bonamici.

Rep. Omar of Minnisota said this after she voted No: “It is unconscionable to pass a Pentagon budget that continues to fund unnecessary projects and endless wars during a time of widespread suffering across our country. Thousands of Minnesotans are struggling to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. We should be investing our resources here at home—not increasing our already exorbitant Pentagon budget.

“This bill further commits our servicemembers to escalations abroad—including a now-two-decade old unpopular war in Afghanistan. Every dollar we spend on endless wars is another missed opportunity to invest in our communities. Shamefully, this bill does nothing to stop arms sales to some of the most corrupt and brutal regimes in the world, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

“Congress should focus on responding to the urgent needs of the American people such as prioritizing healthcare, housing assistance, and food access—not passing a $740.5 billion bill to appease defense contractors and special interests."

We should contact Rep. Blumenauer and Bonamici and thank them for their No vote. But also ask them why they don't issue press releases proclaimed their votes.

Email Blumenauer here: https://blumenauerforms.house.gov/forms/writeyourrep/   Phone in Portland: (503) 231-2300
Email Bonamici here; https://bonamici.house.gov/zip-code-lookup?form=/contact/email   Phone in Beaverton 503) 469-6010