Biden’s Agenda Day 1: Pass HR 1, Launch Immigration Reform

Jump to today’s actions:

Call the Senate
Call the House

Background

President Biden has ambitious plans. His first priority is to enacting the pro-voter, anti-corruption bill HR 1 that will make voting much easier, protect minority voting rights, and curb dark money in politics.

Next is sweeping immigration reform legislation. Biden’s draft immigration proposal is so sweeping that even immigration advocates were surprised. “[This proposal] is the most aggressive agenda that I have seen on immigration reform from day one,” said Victor Sanchez Barba, head of Mi Familia Vota. It includes:

— a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million people without legal papers

— a shorter pathway including immediate green cards for people with DACA status or Temporary Protected Status

— measures to address the root causes of migration in Central America

But under Senate rules, one Senator can block any bill by withholding consent. Already, Sen. Josh Hawley has blocked the nomination hearings for Biden’s DHS nominee, who will be crucial for implementing immigration reform and cleaning house in the immigration agencies.

We need to support an end to the 60-vote rule for ending debate (aka, the filibuster) and the unanimous consent rule.

Today we continue our push for progressive legislation and democracy reform. Call Congress today.

1. Call the Senate.

Script Oregon Senators

SEN. MERKLEY: Portland office: 503-326-3386 | D.C. office: 202-224-3753

My name is [--] and I'm a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

I am calling to let you know that I fully support passage of HR 1, and that I am very excited by President Biden’s proposal to reform immigration. It does feel like a new day is dawning at last. But I am also concerned about the barriers ahead caused by the Senate rules. Please press for an end to the 60-vote cloture rule and the unanimous consent rule. We can’t afford a Senate that is hobbled by such rules.

SEN. WYDEN: Portland office: 503-326-7525 | D.C. office: 202-224-5244

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

I am calling to let you know that I fully support passage of HR 1, and that I am very excited by President Biden’s proposal to reform immigration. It does feel like a new day is dawning at last. But I am also concerned about the barriers ahead caused by the Senate rules. Please press for an end to the 60-vote cloture rule and the unanimous consent rule. We can’t afford a Senate that is hobbled by such rules.

Script for Republican Senators

D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].

GOP Senator Script

I am calling to let you know that I fully support passage of HR 1. Also, I am very excited by President Biden’s proposal to reform immigration. I ask you to support both pieces of legislation. We need to stop punishing people who are contributing so much to our country. We also urgently need HR 1 to encourage voting and to remove dark money from our campaign finance system.

2. Call the House.

Look up your rep.

Script for Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)

Oregon office: 503-469-6010 | DC office: 202-225-0855

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

I am calling to let you know that I fully support passage of HR 1, and that I am very excited by President Biden’s proposal to reform immigration. It does feel like a new day is dawning at last. Thank you for all you did to stand up for immigrants during the past four years. I look forward to seeing this bill pass the House.

Script for Cliff Bentz (OR-02)

Medford office: 541-776-4646 | DC office: 202-225-6730

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

I am calling in support of President Biden’s immigration proposal. I hope you will support it, too. There are many people in our district who will benefit, not only the immigrants but the communities where they live. We also urgently need HR 1 to encourage voting and to remove dark money from our campaign finance system.

Script for Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)

Oregon office: 503-231-2300 | DC office: 202-225-4811

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

I am calling to let you know that I fully support passage of HR 1, and that I am very excited by President Biden’s proposal to reform immigration. It does feel like a new day is dawning at last. Thank you for all you did to stand up for immigrants during the past four years. I look forward to seeing this bill pass the House.

Script for Peter DeFazio (OR-04)

Eugene office: 541-465-6732 | DC office: 202-225-6416

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

I am calling to let you know that I fully support passage of HR 1, and that I am very excited by President Biden’s proposal to reform immigration. It does feel like a new day is dawning at last. Thank you for all you did to stand up for immigrants during the past four years. I look forward to seeing this bill pass the House.

Script for Kurt Schrader (OR-05)

Salem office: 503-588-9100 | DC office: 202-225-5711

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

I am calling to let you know that I fully support passage of HR 1, and that I am very excited by President Biden’s proposal to reform immigration. It does feel like a new day is dawning at last. I look forward to seeing you support this bill and help it to pass the House.