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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 23, 2008
Contact:
Patty Kuderer, National Director of Communications
The Peace Alliance
206.910.2422,
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Department of Peace Bill Gains Support in Congress
Florida’s Representative Robert Wexler Joins Growing List of Supporters
Washington, DC – Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL) is the latest representative to sign on to HR 808, legislation in the House of Representatives that will create a U.S. Department of Peace and Nonviolence. He is the third elected official from Florida to support the legislation, joining Representatives Corrine Brown (D-FL) and Alcee Hastings (D-FL). Currently, 70 members of the U.S. House of Representatives support this bill.
If created, the Department will be headed by a Cabinet-level Secretary of Peace appointed by the President (with the advice and consent of the Senate), and will focus on peaceful conflict resolutions, the prevention of violence by addressing its root causes, and the promotion of justice and democratic principles to expand human rights.
"We are grateful to Congressman Wexler for his leadership on this important bill," said Wendy Greene, Managing Director of The Peace Alliance, the nonprofit organization leading the growing grassroots effort in all 50 states to get HR 808 enacted. "Like the other sponsors, Congressman Wexler understands we need to proactively address the root causes of violence, especially here in the United States. A U.S. Department of Peace will do that, and every community in America will benefit when this bill passes."
Domestically, the Department will research, propose and facilitate practical, field-tested solutions to reduce and prevent violence. It will provide additional financial and institutional heft to strengthen and complement our current approach to violence, focusing on prevention through multi-layered strategies. These strategies include increased funding for local programs already proven effective at reducing and preventing violence. A Peace Academy, on par with the military service academies, will provide a four year course of instruction in peace education after which graduates will be required to serve five years in public service in programs dedicated to domestic or international nonviolent conflict resolution.
Internationally, the Department will research and analyze foreign policy and recommend to the President ways to address the root causes of war. The Department will also provide expert advice to the President on nonviolent means of diffusing or dealing with international crises.
For more information on this legislation and the campaign to create a U.S. Department of Peace, please visit www.thepeacealliance.org.
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