To: Militarism & Asia Advocates
From: Valerie Ong, Legislative Fellow
Date: November 1, 2007
Re: Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act (S.594/H.R. 1755)

Issue:

More than 82 governments have agreed to negotiate a ban on cluster bombs in the coming year. The United States government is not one of them, arguing that the military’s need for these weapons overrides humanitarian concerns.

Background:

Cluster bombs are small explosive submunitions or bomblets that are delivered to its target in large canisters or shells. Cluster bombs are indiscriminate weapons. They cannot distinguish between civilian and military targets. They spew deadly shrapnel over large swathes of land at the time of use, and unexploded bomblets end up functioning as de facto landmines for years after combat ends. As a result, over the last 40 years, 98% of all known cluster bomb casualties have been civilians.

Current legislation S. 594 & H.R. 1755 seeks to limit United States use, sale and transfer of cluster munitions.

MCC has and continues to work extensively on this issue. Currently, MCC is sponsoring a nation wide tour with speakers from Laos and Lebanon who are sharing and reflecting on the tragic effects of cluster bombs on their families, communities, and countries. More information on MCC’s involvement.

Faith Reflection

“MCC’s understanding of Christian faith, and history as a people have fostered a commitment to the power of love and justice as the way of God in our world. MCC’s history is filled with the stories of people who have suffered isolation, harm, and death, rather than commit violence or go to war. MCC opposes the killing of soldiers as well as the killing of civilians, because MCC believes all people are created and loved by God. Thus MCC opposes all war, seeking rather to build cultures of peace and to use the power of love and nonviolence to resolve conflicts.” (Titus Peachey, MCC US Director of Peace Education, in reflection on the ban of cluster bombs, 2003).

Action

• Monday, November 5, 2007 is a National Call-in Day to Ban U.S. Cluster Bombs. Please call your Senator and/or Representative and ask them to cosponsor S.594 or H.R.1755, the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act. If they are co-sponsors, please thank them doing so.
• Call 800.352.1897 (Senate) or 202.224.3121 (House).
• This number connects you to the Capitol Switchboard. You will need to ask for your Senator/Representative by name. Alternatively, you may find the office number of your Senator/Representative by visiting www.senate.gov or www.house.gov
• Once you are directed to the office, ask to speak to the legislative assistant who deals with military and national security issues.

We would be grateful for copies of your correspondence and any responses you receive! Please send them to