Report from the Day of Action in DC

Yesterday, I joined roughly four thousand activists from all fifty states to tell Congress to restore the right to habeas corpus and undo other damage created by the Military Commissions Act of 2006. I rode down in a packed bus that left New York City around 6:00 a.m. We arrived in DC shortly before 11:00. The rally in the Upper Senate Park went very well. It was especially great to hear from Members of Congress who have taken the lead by introducing the legislation we were there to support. Sister Dianna Ortiz’s testimony as a torture survivor was both moving and helpful in preparing for the lobbying visits later in the day. And, as usual, it was great to hear from Amnesty’s Executive Director, Larry Cox.

Following the rally, everyone broke into state delegations to coordinate the afternoon of lobbying. Those of us from New Jersey all met with Senator Robert Menendez at 2:00. There were so many constituents involved that the meeting had to take place on the steps of the Capitol! The Senator also discussed ideas he has for advancing S 576 (The Restoring the Constitution Act).

As you may recall, Amnesty was especially eager to meet with Congressman Robert Andrews’s office. Unfortunately, however, there was no meeting scheduled. I stopped by his office with one of his constituents and dropped off some relevant AI literature, but the staff person we needed to speak with was not there.

I then joined a meeting with Congressman Rush Holt’s office that was already in progress. As you may know, Holt had already agreed to cosponsor HR 1415 and HR 1416. The room was packed with his grateful constituents. They were also interested in learning more about Holt’s new role heading an intelligence panel on the Appropriations Committee. While Congressman Holt was tied up during most of the meeting, he was able to stop by and briefly speak with us.

At 3:30, I met with my own Representative, Albio Sires. The meeting went well. He indicated that he shared our concerns and promised to look into the legislation.

My final meeting of the day was with Congressman Scott Garrett’s office. Unfortunately, a change of schedule prevented Garrett from joining us himself. I joined several of Garrett’s constituents a large group of high school students from Elizabeth in a meeting with the appropriate member of his staff. She informed us that Garrett believes that he did was correct to vote for the Military Commissions Act, but would listen to our concerns.

Thanks to everyone who made it to DC yesterday! Your participation showed our state’s congressional delegation just how important habeas corpus and other human rights issues are to the people of New Jersey.

Those of you who were unable to come yesterday can still help out! Please call your Representative and urge him to cosponsor the Restoring the Constitution Act (HR 1415) and the Habeas Corpus Restoration Act (HR 1416)! If possible, try to set up an in-district meeting with him during the upcoming 4th of July holiday recess—and please feel free to contact me at lladutke@yahoo.com for help!