A few weeks ago I sent an email to US Senator Arlen Specter letting him know that I opposed the massive spending bill that was about to be voted on in Congress.  Specter was one of three Republican Senators who was considering voting for the bill and being a resident of Pennsylvania, the state which he represents, I wanted to let him know that I opposed this bill and that he should as well.  Today I finally received a response back from the Senator.  Here it is:

Dear Mrs. Chamberlain:

As a senior member of the Appropriations Subcommittees on Foreign Operations and Defense, I have been uniquely engaged in foreign affairs while serving in the U.S. Senate. The 110th Congress is faced with many important international issues: the reconstruction of Iraq, the spread of nuclear technology, state sponsorship of terrorism, human rights, and global epidemics. To examine the challenges faced by the U.S. internationally, I have traveled extensively and entered into dialogue with the leaders of friendly and adversarial countries alike. My experience has led me to the conclusion that active engagement, open dialogue, and the strategic use of America's position on the United Nations Security Council is critical to achieving international peace and security.

With respect to our foreign aid budget, I believe it is important for the U.S. to give valuable assistance overseas while keeping with our national interests. On December 18, 2007, I joined many of my Senate colleagues in writing to President Bush, to urge that in Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 the Administration's continue its past efforts to increase U.S. investment in the International Affairs Account.

I supported the FY08 Foreign Operations Bill. This measure included $1.03 billion for the Migration and Refugee Assistance account, with $45 million designated specifically for the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund, a funding level that reflects America's fundamental commitment to helping those who have been forced to flee their native countries. I also supported the inclusion of $1.56 billion in funding for the Millennium Challenge Account, an innovative foreign assistance initiative that provides assistance to countries committed to pursuing healthy political and economic policies. Additionally, the bill included an important contribution of $550 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

I believe that a U.S. emphasis on international diplomacy and development is critical to achieving global security. Rest assured that I will continue to advocate for dialogue with the international community and robust funding for vital U.S. international assistance programs.

Thank you again for contacting me. The concerns of my constituents are of great importance to me, and I rely on you and other Pennsylvanians to inform me of your views. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office or visit my website at http://specter.senate.gov.

                                                           Sincerely,

Arlen Specter  

Honestly, do you think that whoever took the time to send me this canned response could have at least bothered to address my concern?  Could they at least have read it and pretended to care? Needless to say, guess who I will NOT be voting for next election?

Written by Pennsylvania Mortgage Professional Michelle Chamberlain

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