from Allison Snow at SOA Watch
The Pentagon is pushing hard to keep the School of the Americas (renamed the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation) in operation and to avert any cuts to the funding for their flagship training school for Latin American militaries.
Representatives James McGovern (D-MA) and John Lewis (D-GA) are currently circulating a letter to the President for signatures from their colleagues (see below for the text of the letter to Obama and the “Dear Colleague” letter). Reps. McGovern and Lewis call on the President to close the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation by executive order. Thanks to grassroots lobby efforts, Reps. McGovern and Lewis have already received 55 co-signers (NOW 62!) on their letter and are holding the letter open for signatures until at least Thursday, July 28, 5pm. (DEADLINE EXTENDED THROUGH AUGUST 10!) Please contact your Representative to gather additional support.