It's inconceivable that all these members would form the conference committee. The norm is three for the Senate; in this case definitely Stevens, since that's confirmed in the CQ article, and most likely the ranking minority member, Inouye, plus the highest-ranking manjority member. Is that really Cochran? Because it would be grotesque for the Senate conferees to have two out of three members opposing the amendment after 90-9 passage.
So, readers: Concentrate your efforts on Stevens, Inouye (and Byrd and Leahy in case Inouye steps aside), and specifically protest to Stevens to replace Cochran with Specter or Domenici to make the conferees representative of the Senate as a whole.
Nell,
I think you're absolutely right about who to contact first and why.
Normally I'd agree with you 100% on the rest as well, but I'm forwarding a list that was provided to me by someone who would know as the "list of House and Senate conferees."
This may mean that it's unclear who the final members will be, or it may mean that in this case the conference will actually be that big. (No answer to queries yet at this point.) The list comprises the full memberships of the Senate and House Appropriations Defense subcommittees; whether all make it to the conference or not, they may be well chosen to convey wishes to the final conferees from both chambers.
Yes, Cochran is the 2d ranking member of the subcommittee -- and the chair of the Appropriations committee.
Bless, you, Thomas, for getting and staying on this; it's a huge help. Letters to your local papers will also have an effect. Ask people to pressure their Senators and House rep to hold firm against torture. Specifically, Sens and House members should let the conference chairs know they want to see the anti-torture amendment stand.
Letters not only result in more calls to Congress; they make it easier for the human rights lobbiers in D.C. to do their work, by making it public that people in the districts care about the issue.
Just today found the excellent 'Denounce Torture' blog hosted by Amnesty, wish I'd seen this post Wednesday.
It adds significantly to my recommendations about members to focus on.
People taking the advice to write letters to the editor may want to review tips [link is a PDF] from the Center for Victims of Torture.
Hasn't the Duke been run out of town yet? Is he really on the conference committee?
Good question, come to think of it... hmm... this local San Diego article suggests he's just not running for re-election. There's also no indication of him resigning on his congressional web site. Still... I wonder if he needs to care what the GOP thinks of him any more.
[return to "House and Senate Defense Appropriations Conferees"]
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