BETTER HEALTH CARE WON’T HAPPEN WITHOUT ENDING THE “FILIBUSTER LOOPHOLE”

Jump to today’s actions:

Call the Senate
Call the House

Background

Lowering health care costs was voters’ top priority across political affiliations in the 2020 election. Congress must produce results.

And President Biden has a plan. He wants to strengthen the ACA, control drug costs, lower insurance payments, and restore funding for family planning. He also wants to add a publicly-funded option to current privately-run insurance companies for those who don’t qualify for Medicaid or Medicare.

Democrats can pass some ACA changes under the budget reconciliation process, for which they need only 51 votes. But to pass new programs like a public option, current rules require 60 votes.

Success is still possible if Democrats unanimously vote to end the 60-vote rule “filibuster” rule. They only need 51 votes to do so. Two Democratic Senators won’t support a complete elimination. Suspending the filibuster rule for specific, urgently-needed legislation might be more feasible.

We need to ask our Senators to exert maximum pressure on their Democratic colleagues to pass health care legislation in the face of Republican intransigence. Fifty-one votes is still a majority. Democrats hold the majority of seats. Pass Biden’s health care plan with 51 votes if Republicans refuse to support it.

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].

Senator Merkley: I support President Biden’s plan to strengthen the Affordable Care Act by "giving Americans more choice, reducing health care costs, and making our health care system less complex to navigate.” Unfortunately, passing some parts of his plan will require 60 Senate votes, unless Senate Democrats unite behind closing the filibuster loophole. Making sure that health care is affordable is a top priority for me. Refuse to let this Senate loophole -- that gives inordinate power to the minority -- prevent all Americans from being able to afford care.

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].

Senator Wyden: I support President Biden’s plan to strengthen the Affordable Care Act by "giving Americans more choice, reducing health care costs, and making our health care system less complex to navigate.” Unfortunately, passing some parts of his plan will require 60 Senate votes, unless Senate Democrats unite behind closing the filibuster loophole. Making sure that health care is affordable is a top priority for me. Refuse to let this Senate loophole -- that gives inordinate power to the minority -- prevent all Americans from being able to afford care.

Script for Republican Senators

D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121

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

Lowering health care costs was voters’ top priority this election, regardless of party affiliation. Republicans had twelve years to come up with an alternative plan from the ACA. We never saw one. It’s time to step up and join other developed countries. Pass comprehensive health care for all of us.

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 support President Biden’s plan to strengthen the Affordable Care Act by “giving Americans more choice, reducing health care costs, and making our health care system less complex to navigate.” We urgently need a robust health care insurance system at last. I ask you to work for and vote for such a legislative package when it is introduced.

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 support President Biden’s plan to build on the Affordable Care Act by giving Americans more choice, reducing health care costs, and making our health care system less complex to navigate. I ask you to rise above partisan interest and support a legislative package that will enact the President’s plan. We urgently need a robust health care insurance system at last.

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 support President Biden’s plan to strengthen the Affordable Care Act by “giving Americans more choice, reducing health care costs, and making our health care system less complex to navigate.” We urgently need a robust health care insurance system at last. I ask you to work for and vote for such a legislative package when it is introduced.

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 support President Biden’s plan to strengthen the Affordable Care Act by “giving Americans more choice, reducing health care costs, and making our health care system less complex to navigate.” We urgently need a robust health care insurance system at last. I ask you to work for and vote for such a legislative package when it is introduced.

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 support President Biden’s plan to strengthen the Affordable Care Act by “giving Americans more choice, reducing health care costs, and making our health care system less complex to navigate.” We urgently need a robust health care insurance system at last. I ask you to work for and vote for such a legislative package when it is introduced.

Action 3 - Expand Indivisible Oregon’s reach

Want to help us expand our reach? Send the link to our Daily Actions at www.indivisibleor.org to friends and family with GOP Senators and/or Congress people and ask them to make calls. They can use Rep. Bentz's scripts for their GOP representatives.