O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A! Are you ready to rumble? (Identity of Senator blocking our bill is released)
Two weeks ago, we informed you that the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act had been "hotlined" in the Senate and that, unless any Senator "put a hold" on the bill, it would pass the Senate by that evening. Tragically, we were forced to report the follow day that a Senator did, in fact, place an anonymous hold on the bill, preventing it's passage.
We now know that the bill was held by Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma. Despite the extraordinarily committed lobbying on this issue from thousands of constituents over the past year and an unprecedented number of Members of Congress who have responded by cosponsoring the bill, Senator Coburn has chosen to not only withhold support of the bill but to proactively stop its passage.
Though Coburn's office says that the Senator cares about the issue of the LRA, he will not support the passage of the bill due to his unwaivering stance on government spending and budget neutrality.
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Memo to Senator Coburn: While you obstruct this bill, Joseph Kony and the LRA are still at large and innocent civilians across multiple countries continue to live in fear of death, rape, and abduction. Moreover, the funding authorized in the bill for the recovery of northern Uganda is a critical investment in the restoration of war-affected areas, and crucial for sustainable peace.
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We are deeply concerned that Senator Coburn could single-handedly prevent the bill's passage. We trust you are too.
That is why we are now calling on all Oklahomans to use their voices and let Senator Coburn know---loud and clear---that you want him to remove his hold on the bill. You residents of the Sooner State are the key to keeping this bill alive and we need every single one of you to act NOW. Here is what we need you to do:
1. Sign up to join our Coburn action campaign, and we'll be in touch as the strategy develops. (Non Oklahomans can join this one too!)
2. Oklahomans: Call Coburn's DC office EVERY DAY at (202) 224-5754, and request that the Senator immediately remove his hold on S.1067, the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act.
3. Email Senator Coburn by clicking here.
4. Click here to help set up or attend a constituent meeting with one of Senator Coburn's offices in Oklahoma.
5. Spread the word. Tweet, facebook, you know the drill. Share this link with friends so they can get involved.
6. Check back soon for full disclosure of our campaign to overcome Senator Coburn's obstacle and get this historic bill passed.
Please make sure to be strong AND RESPECTFUL in your communication with Coburn's staff. We believe this issue is worthy of our best efforts, but we want to maintain integrity in our advocacy and ensure we have the best possible chance of convincing Senator Coburn to respond to your voices.
Alright, Oklahoma. We've been told that ya'll have got "plen'y of heart and plen'y of hope." At least, that's what the song says.
Prove it.