The San Juan Islands Advocacy Team is a group of concerned citizens working with the Friends Committee on National Legislation to urge Congress to use our tax dollars for peacemaking instead of war. On July 9, six members of our team met in a conference call with a legislative assistant to Representative Rick Larsen. We reported our concern that economic sanctions against Iran, designed to influence the policies of that country’s government, are having a devastating effect on innocent people who cannot obtain essential food and medical supplies. We asked that Representative Larsen initiate action in Congress to ease sanctions during the COVID-19 crisis.

We asked that the representative support the Khanna Amendment that would prohibit the expenditure of federal funds for military action in Iran without Congressional approval. The staff person listened to our concerns and gave us a thorough recap of the legislative process. While Representative Larsen is generally in favor of measures to have Congress serve as a check on presidential war powers, as of July 9, he hasn’t stated his position on the Khanna Amendment. We greatly appreciated our discussion with Representative Larsen’s legislative assistant. Our concerns were heard and we received much valuable information about the status of current legislation.

We urge our island neighbors to contact Representative Larsen’s office and ask him to take strong stands in favor of preventing war in the Middle East and the easing of economic sanctions in Iran. You can use the online form at larsen.house.gov.

Linda Ellsworth, Eastsound

Jerry Graville, Lopez Island

Iris Graville, Lopez Island

Charles Janeway, Lopez Island

Ron Metcalf, Lopez Island

Tom Rawson, Eastsound