Rep. Matsui 'Peace-In' Hits Day 17

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Contact: Cres Vellucci, Sacramento Coalition to End the War, 916/996-9170

Lawmakers - like Rep. Doris Matsui - who won't end
new war funding ‘don't want to stop the war,' says
Rep. John Conyers; Matsui ‘Peace-In' hits Day 17

SACRAMENTO – Members of congress who refuse to vote against any new
funding for the Iraq war and occupation – like Rep. Doris Matsui – may not
really want the war to end, suggested Rep. John Conyers of Michigan
yesterday on a national talk show.

The comments by Rep. Conyers were welcomed by the Sacramento Coalition to
End the War, which has been holding a "peace-in" at the district office of
Rep. Matsui since Jan. 8. Wednesday marks the 17th straight day of the
"Peace-In" at the Federal Courthouse at 501 I St. (12th floor).

The Coalition of dozens of peace, religious and veterans groups said it
will not leave the office until Rep. Matsui publicly commits to vote
against any supplemental funding for the war and occupation beyond the $70
billion budgeted for 2007.

Conyers said yesterday that members of Congress who don't commit to vote
against new war funding do not really want to end the war in Iraq.

"If you don't want to stop the war then you can send a resolution that is
non-binding. The whole reason we have the power to cut off military
appropriations is exactly for the kind of President we have now who doesn't
care about the Congress," said Conyers.

Rep. Matsui has stubbornly refused to say she will not vote against new
funding, and has only signed on to measures that are non-binding, as
Conyers said, or partisan measures sure to be vetoed by the President.