This was supposed to be the year that a woman was finally elected to run the United Nations, after seven decades of men at the helm of the world’s foremost diplomatic organization. Having a woman secretary-general matters because so many of the issues the occupant of the office focuses on – development, education, health, among them – are areas where women hold the keys to progress, many global development experts say. And several of the women candidates were widely considered to be among the most qualified in the field of 12. But it looks like the old-boy system is pushing back against them! As Melissa Labonte, a professor of political science at New York’s Fordham University and an expert in UN issues says, "The pool of female candidates included some of the most competent women we’ve seen on the world stage, so I’m befuddled as to why they haven’t been ranked more highly, [but] either these women are being judged by a different standard, or we're seeing that the patriarchy of the UN system is alive and well.” Please sign this petition and forward it to everyone you know who wants our UN to be led by a highly qualified woman for a change!!!

On September 23, President Obama vetoed the bipartisan Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act [JASTA], setting up a veto override fight over whether 9/11 families will be allowed to sue the Saudi government over its alleged role in the 9/11 attacks. JASTA, which passed the House and Senate unanimously, makes no claim about the Saudi government's involvement in the attacks. It simply removes the Saudi government's legal immunity from lawsuits concerning terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders both support JASTA. [1] Supporters of JASTA have charged that the Administration is simply trying to protect the U.S. government's too-cozy relationship with the Saudi government, which has recently come under long-overdue Congressional scrutiny. On September 21, 27 Senators voted to block a billion dollar arms deal with Saudi Arabia, with many citing Saudi use of U.S. weapons against civilians in the catastrophic Saudi war in Yemen. [2] House Members have introduced a companion bill to disapprove the Saudi arms deal, HJ Res 98. [3] On June 16, 204 Members of the House voted to bar the transfer of cluster bombs to Saudi Arabia. [4] Administration claims that the principle of sovereign immunity is in peril if JASTA becomes law are unserious. There are already exemptions to sovereign immunity in U.S. law, including for terrorism. (We will pass over the Administration's support of the TPP, which would allow brand-name pharmaceutical corporations to sue governments in corporate tribunals to block the introduction of cheaper generic drugs.) JASTA would simply expand the current terrorism exemption to sovereign immunity of existing U.S. law to countries like Saudi Arabia that are not on the State Department list of state sponsors of terrorism. [5] The State Department list results from opaque determinations that include issues besides terrorism. The Administration wants to maintain the unilateral power of the executive branch to give a government a pass on support of terrorism if the executive branch - especially the Pentagon and the CIA - perceives that government to be useful in other ways. The majority of Americans have no interest in maintaining this unilateral, unaccountable executive power. And if people in other countries want to sue U.S. officials over alleged U.S. support for terrorism in their countries, those families also deserve their day in court. If that prospect might be a deterrent to Pentagon and CIA adventurism overseas, the majority of Americans will shed no tears. Urge your Senators and Representative to vote to override the President's veto of JASTA by signing our petition. References: 1. https://news.vice.com/article/hillary-clinton-bernie-sanders-9-11-bill-sue-saudi-arabia-new-york-primary 2. http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=114&session=2&vote=00145#position 3. http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/congress-support-diplomacy?r_by=1135580 4. http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2016/roll327.xml 5. http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/296862-obama-vetoes-9-11-bill

On September 21, the Senate voted on a resolution offered by Senators Chris Murphy [D-CT], Rand Paul [R-KY], Al Franken [D-MN], and Mike Lee [R-UT] to block an arms sale to Saudi Arabia. The Murphy-Paul-Franken-Lee resolution was a challenge to U.S. support and participation in the Saudi war against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Saudi war in Yemen has been sharply criticized by human rights groups for causing a humanitarian catastrophe, for violating international humanitarian law, and for violating U.S. laws against targeting civilians with U.S. weapons. Senator Warren and Senator Markey voted against killing the Murphy-Paul-Franken-Lee resolution, effectively voting against continuing to arm Saudi Arabia. [1] S.J.Res.32, sponsored by Senators Chris Murphy, Rand Paul, Brian Schatz, and Sherrod Brown, would increase Congressional oversight over U.S. weapons exports to Saudi Arabia. [2] Thank Senator Warren and Senator Markey and urge them to co-sponsor S.J.Res.32 by signing our petition. References: 1. http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=114&session=2&vote=00145#position 2. https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/32

On September 21, the Senate voted on a resolution offered by Senators Chris Murphy [D-CT], Rand Paul [R-KY], Al Franken [D-MN], and Mike Lee [R-UT] to block an arms sale to Saudi Arabia. The Murphy-Paul-Franken-Lee resolution was a challenge to U.S. support and participation in the Saudi war against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Saudi war in Yemen has been sharply criticized by human rights groups for causing a humanitarian catastrophe, for violating international humanitarian law, and for violating U.S. laws against targeting civilians with U.S. weapons. Senator Sanders and Senator Leahy voted against killing the Murphy-Paul-Franken-Lee resolution, effectively voting against continuing to arm Saudi Arabia. [1] S.J.Res.32, sponsored by Senators Chris Murphy, Rand Paul, Brian Schatz, and Sherrod Brown, would increase Congressional oversight over U.S. weapons exports to Saudi Arabia. [2] Thank Senator Sanders and Senator Leahy and urge them to co-sponsor S.J.Res.32 by signing our petition. References: 1. http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=114&session=2&vote=00145#position 2. https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/32

On September 21, the Senate voted on a resolution offered by Senators Chris Murphy [D-CT], Rand Paul [R-KY], Al Franken [D-MN], and Mike Lee [R-UT] to block an arms sale to Saudi Arabia. Senator Heinrich was a co-sponsor of the bill. The Murphy-Paul-Franken-Lee resolution was a challenge to U.S. support and participation in the Saudi war against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Saudi war in Yemen has been sharply criticized by human rights groups for causing a humanitarian catastrophe, for violating international humanitarian law, and for violating U.S. laws against targeting civilians with U.S. weapons. Senator Heinrich and Senator Udall voted against killing the Murphy-Paul-Franken-Lee resolution, effectively voting against continuing to arm Saudi Arabia. [1] Senator Heinrich was a co-sponsor of the Murphy-Paul bill. S.J.Res.32, sponsored by Senators Chris Murphy, Rand Paul, Brian Schatz, and Sherrod Brown, would increase Congressional oversight over U.S. weapons exports to Saudi Arabia. [2] Thank Senator Heinrich and Senator Udall and urge them to co-sponsor S.J.Res.32 by signing our petition. References: 1. http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=114&session=2&vote=00145#position 2. https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/32

On September 21, the Senate voted on a resolution offered by Senators Chris Murphy [D-CT], Rand Paul [R-KY], Al Franken [D-MN], and Mike Lee [R-UT] to block an arms sale to Saudi Arabia. The Murphy-Paul resolution was a challenge to U.S. support and participation in the Saudi war against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Saudi war in Yemen has been slammed by human rights groups for causing a humanitarian catastrophe, for violating international humanitarian law, and for violating U.S. laws against targeting civilians with U.S. weapons. Senator Merkley voted to kill the Murphy-Paul resolution, effectively voting in favor of further arming Saudi Arabia. Senator Wyden voted against killing the resolution, effectively voting against continuing to arm Saudi Arabia. [1] S.J.Res.32, sponsored by Senators Chris Murphy, Rand Paul, Brian Schatz, and Sherrod Brown, would increase Congressional oversight over U.S. weapons exports to Saudi Arabia. [2] Thank Senator Wyden for his vote, challenge Senator Merkley to explain his vote, and urge both to co-sponsor S.J.Res.32, by signing our petition. References: 1. http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=114&session=2&vote=00145#position 2. https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/32

On September 21, the Senate voted on a resolution offered by Senators Chris Murphy [D-CT], Rand Paul [R-KY], Al Franken [D-MN], and Mike Lee [R-UT] to block an arms sale to Saudi Arabia. The Murphy-Paul resolution was a challenge to U.S. support and participation in the Saudi war against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Saudi war in Yemen has been slammed by human rights groups for causing a humanitarian catastrophe, for violating international humanitarian law, and for violating U.S. laws against targeting civilians with U.S. weapons. Senator Feinstein voted to kill the Murphy-Paul resolution, effectively voting in favor of further arming Saudi Arabia. Senator Boxer voted against killing the resolution, effectively voting against continuing to arm Saudi Arabia. [1] S.J.Res.32, sponsored by Senators Chris Murphy, Rand Paul, Brian Schatz, and Sherrod Brown, would increase Congressional oversight over U.S. weapons exports to Saudi Arabia. [2] Thank Senator Boxer and challenge Senator Feinstein to explain her vote, and urge both to co-sponsor S.J.Res.32, by signing our petition. References: 1. http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=114&session=2&vote=00145#position 2. https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/32

On September 21, the Senate voted on a resolution offered by Senators Chris Murphy [D-CT], Rand Paul [R-KY], Al Franken [D-MN], and Mike Lee [R-UT] to block an arms sale to Saudi Arabia. The Murphy-Paul-Franken-Lee resolution was a challenge to U.S. support and participation in the Saudi war against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Saudi war in Yemen has been sharply criticized by human rights groups for causing a humanitarian catastrophe, for violating international humanitarian law, and for violating U.S. laws against targeting civilians with U.S. weapons. Senator Murphy and Senator Blumenthal voted against killing the Murphy-Paul-Franken-Lee resolution, effectively voting against continuing to arm Saudi Arabia. [1] S.J.Res.32, sponsored by Senators Chris Murphy, Rand Paul, Brian Schatz, and Sherrod Brown, would increase Congressional oversight over U.S. weapons exports to Saudi Arabia. [2] Thank Senator Murphy and Senator Blumenthal and urge Senator Blumenthal to co-sponsor S.J.Res.32 by signing our petition. References: 1. http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=114&session=2&vote=00145#position 2. https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/32

On September 21, the Senate voted on a resolution offered by Senators Chris Murphy [D-CT], Rand Paul [R-KY], Al Franken [D-MN], and Mike Lee [R-UT] to block an arms sale to Saudi Arabia. The Murphy-Paul-Franken-Lee resolution was a challenge to U.S. support and participation in the Saudi war against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Saudi war in Yemen has been sharply criticized by human rights groups for causing a humanitarian catastrophe, for violating international humanitarian law, and for violating U.S. laws against targeting civilians with U.S. weapons. Senator Franken and Senator Klobuchar voted against killing the Murphy-Paul-Franken-Lee resolution, effectively voting against continuing to arm Saudi Arabia. [1] S.J.Res.32, sponsored by Senators Chris Murphy, Rand Paul, Brian Schatz, and Sherrod Brown, would increase Congressional oversight over U.S. weapons exports to Saudi Arabia. [2] Thank Senator Franken and Senator Klobuchar and urge them to co-sponsor S.J.Res.32 by signing our petition. References: 1. http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=114&session=2&vote=00145#position 2. https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/32

On September 21, the Senate voted on a resolution offered by Senators Chris Murphy [D-CT], Rand Paul [R-KY], Al Franken [D-MN], and Mike Lee [R-UT] to block an arms sale to Saudi Arabia. The Murphy-Paul resolution was a challenge to U.S. support and participation in the Saudi war against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Saudi war in Yemen has been slammed by human rights groups for causing a humanitarian catastrophe, for violating international humanitarian law, and for violating U.S. laws against targeting civilians with U.S. weapons. Senator Murray and Senator Cantwell voted against killing the Murphy-Paul resolution, effectively voting against continuing to arm Saudi Arabia. [1] Thank Senator Murray and Senator Cantwell by signing our petition. References: 1. http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=114&session=2&vote=00145#position

The Libingan ng mga Bayani is for the President and Soldiers who served our country.

On September 21, the Senate voted on a resolution offered by Senators Chris Murphy [D-CT], Rand Paul [R-KY], Al Franken [D-MN], and Mike Lee [R-UT] to block an arms sale to Saudi Arabia. The Murphy-Paul resolution was a challenge to U.S. support and participation in the Saudi war against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Saudi war in Yemen has been slammed by human rights groups for causing a humanitarian catastrophe, for violating international humanitarian law, and for violating U.S. laws against targeting civilians with U.S. weapons. Senator Durbin and Senator Kirk voted against killing the Murphy-Paul resolution, effectively voting against continuing to arm Saudi Arabia. [1] Thank Senator Durbin and Senator Kirk by signing our petition. References: 1. http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=114&session=2&vote=00145#position