On October 4, the District of Columbia City Council unanimously adopted Bill 5-18, which would prohibit deposits or investments of public funds in banks, financial institutions, or corporations doing business in South Africa or Namibia. However, because of the limits of the District's self-government, the U.S. Congress has the power to veto any D.C. bill. The congressional review period for such bills is 30 legislative days; if both houses do not adopt a resolution of disapproval within this time, the bill automatically becomes law. Representative Stan Parris (R-Va.) has announced his intention to oppose this bill, so it is necessary to convince a majority of either the House or Senate to vote...
On October 4, the District of Columbia City Council unanimously adopted Bill 5-18, which would prohibit deposits or investments of public funds in banks, financial institutions, or corporations doing business in South Africa or Namibia. However, because of the limits of the District's self-government, the U.S. Congress has the power to veto any D.C. bill. The congressional review period for such bills is 30 legislative days; if both houses do not adopt a resolution of disapproval within this time, the bill automatically becomes law. Representative Stan Parris (R-Va.) has announced his intention to oppose this bill, so it is necessary to convince a majority of either the House or Senate to vote against a resolution of disapproval. The D.C. divestment bill is part of a nationwide movement by state and local legislatures to withdraw public funds from U.S. companies and banks investing in South Africa. In 1982 alone, divestment bills passed in Massachusetts, Michigan and Connecticut and in the cities of Philadelphia, Wilmington and Grand Rapids, mandating the divestment of up to $300 million. Success in the congressional battle to retain the D.C. bill is crucial because it will represent the first federal legislative debate on the issue of divestment, raising the role that U.S. corporations play in bolstering of apartheid. Congressional disapproval of the D.C. bill could adversely affect the state and local campaigns; enactment of such a strong divestment law in the nation's capital will serve as a symbol and example for other cities and states. People are asked to urge their representative and senators vote against a resolution of disapproval of D.C. Divestment Bill 5-18 and to organize other people in their community to mail postcards to Congress.
