Thanks to Price for August 21 Meeting

Dear Congressman Price:

On behalf of the Committee, Tom Munk and I want to thank you for taking time to meet with us on August 21. We hope that you will take a strong stand against war in Iraq and the unpredictable, potentially disastrous effects in the region that are likely to ensue. There will be effects on our economy, security, and longer term budget problems that already threaten Social Security and are affecting critical social programs, including health insurance.

We ask that you speak out to the public and work with your colleagues on this issue and secondly, that you not wait until the sunsetting of the USA Patriot Act (which will not be completely sunset in any case). The recent appeal by the Attorney General of the FISA court ruling (see the enclosed from yesterday's New York Times) makes it imperative that Congress call Justice activities to account, and that amendments to the Act be made.

These two issues are in urgent need of action by members of Congress. They affect our democracy and our strength as a leader and defender of the rule of law and human rights in the world.

Nancy Milio, for the Committee