From: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu (Rich Winkel)
Subject: FCNL Legislative Update 11/20/92
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Originator: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu
Organization: PACH
Distribution: na
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1992 01:42:00 GMT

/** fcnl.updates: 14.0 **/
** Topic: FCNL Legislative Update 11/20/92 **
** Written  2:45 pm  Nov 20, 1992 by fcnl in cdp:fcnl.updates **
    
          FCNL LEGISLATIVE UPDATE -- [11/20/92]

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,
November 20.  As the FCNL office will be closed for
the Thanksgiving holiday week-end, there will be no
new update until Friday, December 4.  This message
contains action suggestions for CALLING ON NEWLY
ELECTED MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.

CALLING ON NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.  Many of
you have new representatives and senators entering the
103rd Congress.  This is the time for  you to get
acquainted with your new members.  This is also an
opportunity for you to introduce them to the Friends
Committee on National Legislation.  

ACTION SUGGESTIONS:  (1) Arrange an appointment in
your local area with your new representative.  With a
small group of like-minded residents, prepare to
present a few top priority concerns in a clear and
concise manner.  Leave some written information with
your representative--an FCNL newsletter or background
document, or something you have written.  If you have
a new senator, consider sending him or her this
information.  Begin to build a long-term consultative
relationship.

(2)  You may prefer to write a letter to your
representative and senators.  Let newly elected
members know that the FCNL office will send them a
packet of information, including sample FCNL
newsletters and the FCNL Statement of Legislative
Priorities for the 103rd Congress. 

(3) COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:  New and returning
representatives and senators will gather in Washington
early in December to organize themselves and determine
committee assignments.  In sharp contrast to past
years, many members are likely to seek positions on
committees which deal with domestic and economic
issues, rather than with foreign affairs.  The House
Foreign Affairs Committee, in particular, will have 18
to 20 vacancies for Democratic members and at least
four positions for Republican members.  Reports now
indicate that very few representatives want to be on
this important committee. 

In addition to our troubled economy and neglected
domestic agenda, there are still crises around the
world which call for humanitarian assistance and
peaceful, diplomatic solutions.  As the world
continues to move towards a global community, domestic
and international issues are increasingly
interdependent and should not be considered
separately.  If you feel that your representative
reflects your views, then encourage him or her to seek
the appropriate committee assignments.  Convey the
sentiment that constituents are looking for leadership
on both domestic and international issues in the 103rd
Congress. 

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