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Dept. of Defense Authorization Bill

Call Your U.S. Senator Today!

From the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty:

Dear Abolitionists,

Today, Monday 7/20, the US Senate will be discussing amendments to the Dept. of Defense Authorization Bill, and we expect the introduction of an amendment to expand the federal death penalty. The Matthew Shepherd Hate Crimes Prevention Act has already been attached to the DOD Authorization bill, and Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama is expected to introduce an amendment making hate crimes eligible for the federal death penalty.

The National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty asks YOU to call your U. S. Senators’ offices and express your opposition to the death penalty and to vote AGAINST any expansion of the federal death penalty. You can reach the US Capitol switchboard at 202.224.3121 and ask for your Senator’s office. If you do not know who your two U.S. Senators are, or for their direct office phone numbers and e-mail addresses, click here.

AFTER YOU CALL, forward this message to your friends, family, etc. and ask them to call, and then please also send an e-mail to each of your two Senators.

The vote is expected Monday afternoon by 3pm (you can watch on CSPAN), so please make your calls right now, and definitely before 3pm EDT TODAY!

Here are some talking points for your calls:

  • I am concerned that Senator Sessions reportedly intends to introduce an amendment to the Department of Defense Authorization that would expand the federal death penalty. As your constituent, I urge you to oppose any expansion of the federal death penalty.
  • The Department of Justice has found widespread geographical and racial disparities in the application of the federal death penalty
  • 135 individuals have been exonerated and released from death rows in this country, a stark reminder that innocent people across the country continue to face the threat of execution.
  • I urge you to uphold the fundamental principles of justice and human rights and oppose any expansion of the death penalty.

Thank you for your immediate action.

The National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty202-331-4090