ACTION ITEM: Senate Resolution 202 (04/18/04)

ACTION ITEM

Senate Resolution 202

There are now 30 senators who are co-sponsors of Senate Resolution 202 introduced by Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell. This is a significant increase since fall 2003; thus, the challenge, in some ways, is not as daunting as previously.

It has been previously reported that the Bush administration and Sen. Richard Lugar, chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, are not supporting S. Res. 202, which deals with the genocidal Ukrainian Famine of 1932-1933. While this situation would not normally bode well for a resolution's successful passage, we must keep in mind that this is an election year - and the prospects for a close election are all there. Does either political party not want the votes of Ukrainian Americans and Americans interested in effective U.S.-Ukraine relations?

If each and everyone of us can urge everyone interested in Ukraine to contact the remaining 70 senators to become co-sponsors of S. Res. 202, then, who knows, possibly the administration and Sen. Lugar may have a change of heart. The U.S.-Ukraine Foundation is also supporting this effort by recently submitting letters, focusing on the importance of S. Res. 202, to each of the 70 senators.

Published on page 11 is a list of the 70 senators, in state alphabetical order, who have yet to become co-sponsors of S. Res. 202 along with their fax and phone numbers, and the names of their aides who handle foreign policy issues.

Faxed letters and phone calls are most effective; mailed letters also are effective, but due to heightened security concerns, they take considerable time to reach Senate offices.

If the senators from your state are co-sponsors already, urge relatives and friends from other states to contact their senators who have not yet come out in supporting of S. Res. 202.

Faxed and mailed letters can be addressed as:

Honorable (Senator's name)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Note: Somewhere on the faxed or mailed letter, add "Attn: aide's name)" to make sure the letter gets directed to the appropriate legislative aide. If you call a Senate office, ask for the Senator's aide by name and speak directly to him or her.

* * *

(SAMPLE LETTER)

Dear Senator (Name):

I urge you to become a co-sponsor of Senate Resolution 202, regarding the genocidal Ukraine Famine of 1932-1933, introduced by Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell on July 28, 2003, and co-sponsored by 29 other senators as of April 8, 2004.

This resolution is dedicated to the memory of the victims of a heinous crime against humanity. The resolution reminds us all that the Free World cannot rest as long as oppressive regimes exist in this world.

S. Res. 202 is critical not only for symbolic purposes but also because it sends a powerful message to the democratic forces in Ukraine that the U.S. Senate supports the development of free institutions that embrace the true meaning of democracy, liberty and justice in Ukraine.

Your support of S. Res. 202 is essential and requested.

Sincerely,
(your name)

* * *

The support of the Ukrainian American community is critically important for the passage of S. Res. 202. If you have any questions or would like assistance in contacting your senator's office, please contact Marko Serbinsky at the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation, mserbinsky@usukraine.org.

- submitted by John A. Kun, vice president/chief operating officer, U.S.-Ukraine Foundation.

List of senators who are not co-sponsors of S. Res. 202

| Home Page |