The Honorable Michael M. Honda
U.S. House of Representatives
1713 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-0515

February 1, 2004
Re: Speak out against nuclear policy!

Dear Representative Honda:

As a citizen concerned about our nation's future, I urge you to speak out against the House Republican leadership's nuclear policy. I strongly believe the steps recommended in last year's House Republican Policy Committee report would weaken international security and further jeopardize US credibility.

Instead of reinstating the development, testing and use of nuclear weapons, I believe our government should be taking urgent steps to reduce our nuclear stockpile and adhere to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. In this era of global instability, this is not the time to overturn the 10-year US moratorium on testing nuclear weapons. Resuming underground tests, repealing a ban on low-yield nuclear weapons and using nuclear weapons against hardened underground targets would send the international community the wrong message.

Our nonproliferation regime would be in grave danger if we took the steps outlined in the nuclear policy document. The House policy document clearly disavows multilateral arms control approaches. A unilateral approach could unravel all the progress we have made and further isolate us from our allies.

I urge you to make this a leadership issue and do everything possible to speak out against the recommendations in this document, whether it be through op-eds, floor statements or public statements.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing your reply.

Sincerely,

Madeline Althoff

FDA Commissioner Mark McClellan
Parklawn Building
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857

February 1, 2004
Re: Support Over the Counter Status for Plan B

Dear FDA Commissioner McClellan:

I support emergency contraception over-the-counter. The current prescription requirement harms women by imposing unnecessary burdens to access emergency contraception, which is most effective when taken within 24 hours of unprotected intercourse, birth control failure, or sexual assault. Emergency contraceptive pills are safe and effective and have the potential to cut in half the number of unintended pregnancies in the US and prevent as many as 800,000 abortions each year. Emergency contraceptive pills meet all the FDA's requirements for over-the-counter use. Do not make this a political decision or bow to political pressure this is a medical decision.

Do the right thing; make emergency contraception available over the counter.

Sincerely,

Madeline Althoff

The Honorable Barbara Boxer
United States Senate
112 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-0505

February 1, 2004
Re: Thank you! (Bill for Afghan Women)

Dear Senator Boxer,

I am writing to thank you for your "Afghan Women Freedom and Security Act". The Feminist Majority Foundation has informed me that your bill:

• Authorizes resources and security that are desperately needed for Afghan women to be able to exercise their rights;
• Provides direct funding for the Ministry of Women's Affairs, the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission, and women-led non-governmental organizations; and
• Calls for the expansion of international peacekeeping forces.

Thank you very much for your efforts to help the women of Afghanistan with this excellent bill. You certainly have my support!

Keep up the good work!

Sincerely,

Madeline Althoff

The Honorable Dianne Feinstein
United States Senate
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-0504

February 1, 2004
Re: Thank you! (Bill for Afghan Women)

Dear Senator Feinstein,

I am writing to thank you, because I'm certain you will be co-sponsoring Senator Boxer's "Afghan Women Freedom and Security Act". The Feminist Majority Foundation has informed me that her bill:

• Authorizes resources and security that are desperately needed for Afghan women to be able to exercise their rights;
• Provides direct funding for the Ministry of Women's Affairs, the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission, and women-led non-governmental organizations; and
• Calls for the expansion of international peacekeeping forces.

So, because I know you'll sign on to your co-Senator's bill, thank you very much for your efforts to help the women of Afghanistan. You certainly have my support!

Sincerely,

Madeline Althoff