From: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu (Rich Winkel)
Newsgroups: misc.activism.progressive
Subject: FCNL Legislative Update 10/09/92
Date: 10 Oct 92 03:32:48 GMT
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Distribution: na
Organization: PACH
Originator: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu

/** fcnl.updates: 30.0 **/
** Topic: FCNL Legislative Update 10/09/92 **
** Written  3:45 pm  Oct  9, 1992 by fcnl in cdp:fcnl.updates **

          FCNL LEGISLATIVE UPDATE -- [10/09/92]

This is the Friends Committee on National Legislation,
with updated legislative information.  To speak with a
staff member, call (202) 547-6000.

This message was prepared at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct.
9.  It contains information on the following subjects:
ENERGY BILL PASSES, CONGRESSIONAL ADJOURNMENT AND THE
UPCOMING ELECTIONS, and NEWSLETTER CORRECTION.

ENERGY BILL PASSES.  The comprehensive energy bill
passed by Congress just before adjournment has its
share of things to criticize, but FCNL finds more
positive elements in it than negative.  The final
version includes a number of provisions requiring
improved energy efficiency and conservation; and it
begins the process of phasing in vehicle use of
alternative fuels, starting with government-owned
fleets.  It restructures the utility industry to
promote competition at the wholesale level.  It also
promotes use of renewable energy in various ways
including tax incentives.  

An energy agenda for next year will need to address
the following omissions:  requirements for improved
auto fuel efficiency, further restrictions on off-
shore drilling, and specific provisions to stabilize
or decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

CONGRESSIONAL ADJOURNMENT AND THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS. 
The 102nd Congress officially adjourned on Friday,
Oct. 9, after a flurry of last minute legislative
activity. Members' attention now turns to the November
3 elections.  In addition to the Presidential race, 33
Senators and all Representatives are up for
reelection.  Primary election defeats and retirements
assure that there will be at least 9 new senators and
86 new representatives next January.  Many other races
are unusually close contests. This presents a historic
opportunity for voters to influence the face of
national politics and the future direction of public
policy.
   
ACTION: FCNL urges its constituents to become informed
about their candidates' positions and priorities.  For
information, call the campaign headquarters and
congressional offices.  To learn how your member of
Congress voted on specific issues, request FCNL's
voting record (Aug. 1992 newsletter).  Attend
candidates' forums and ask questions on the issues
that concern you most. And then- VOTE!

NEWSLETTER CORRECTION. FCNL regrets that misleading
information appeared in a chart on page six of the
Sept./Oct. issue of the FCNL newsletter entitled,
"Bush and Clinton Compared."  

In the chart entitled, "Weapons Systems and Military
Personnel," the heading for B-2 bombers should read,
"Number of ADDITIONAL B-2 Bombers."  The number of B-
2s already approved by the Congress is sixteen. 
Bush/Quayle favor an INCREASE of four planes, from
sixteen to twenty.  The number "four" should have been
listed in that column instead of the number given,
"twenty," which is the total number of B-2s they
support.  The number "zero" under the Clinton/Gore
column correctly refers to Clinton's platform of no
NEW B-2s.

This concludes our message.  For more information,
please write to the Friends Committee on National
Legislation, 245 Second St., NE, Washington, DC 20002. 
To follow these and related issues on a regular basis,
subscribe to the FCNL WASHINGTON NEWSLETTER.  Send $25
to the above address and receive 11 issues per year.   
** End of text from cdp:fcnl.updates **
Newsgroups: misc.activism.progressive