Obstruction is Not Deliberation
It's Time for the Filibuster to Go
Jump to today’s actions:
BACKGROUND
This week is a big week for saving democracy. Senator Schumer will bring S.1 (For the People Act) to the floor and S.51 (Washington, D.C. Admissions Act) will be heard in committee. The procedural vote on S.1 will likely end in a filibuster, and Republicans will keep filibustering procedural votes until after partisan redistricting for the next decade is complete--in hopes of delaying S.1's passage.
Democratic senators have options:
Eliminate the filibuster.
Reform the filibuster to exclude pro-democracy legislation.
A talking filibuster has been proposed, but it allows for the legislation-killing delay McConnell wants. We need S.1 now.
Our Members of Congress report that hearing from us helps them press our case. We need them all to stand strong for democracy against the hyper-partisan, anti-democratic Republican agenda. Too often, Democrats yield to GOP messaging, inadvertently reinforcing this autocratic behavior.
We will be heard if we raise our voices together. Commit to calling your senators today and tomorrow to advocate for these bills. Remind them Republicans repeatedly use the filibuster to obstruct legislation most of their constituents want and need.
1. Call the Senate.
Script for 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 thank the senator for championing elimination of the filibuster. I ask him to urge leadership to either abolish it or exempt pro-democracy legislation before this week’s procedural vote is called. I'm concerned that another proposed compromise, a talking filibuster, would allow Republicans to stall S.1 beyond the deadline for redistricting.
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 ask the senator to continue to stand strong for democracy by calling either for elimination of the filibuster this week, or at least exempting pro-democracy legislation from its reach. I'm concerned that another proposed compromise, a talking filibuster, would allow Republicans to stall S.1 beyond the deadline for redistricting.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
I am calling today to ask the senator to prioritize people over politics and vote to advance and pass the For the People Act (S.1). It is time to ensure that we, your constituents, can exercise our freedom to vote.
2. Call the House.
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].
Thank you for standing up for democracy. Today I ask you to join Rep. Blumenauer and other House colleagues in calling on the Senate to eliminate the filibuster and pass S.1.
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 today to ask you to prioritize people over politics and join your House colleagues who are calling on the Senate to eliminate the filibuster and pass S.1.
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].
Thank you for standing up for democracy and joining with your colleagues to call on the Senate to eliminate the filibuster and pass S.1.
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].
Thank you for standing up for democracy. Today I ask you to join Rep. Blumenauer and other House colleagues in calling on the Senate to eliminate the filibuster and pass S.1.
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].
Thank you for standing up for democracy. Today I ask you to join Rep. Blumenauer and other House colleagues in calling on the Senate to eliminate the filibuster and pass S.1.
3. Take Action
Please keep an eye on our webpage and social media for a list of town halls during the 2-week July 4th Congressional recess.
Further Reading
How Republican states are expanding their power over elections
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/19/us/politics/republican-states.html
S.1 The For the People Act
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/1
S.51 The Washington, D.C. Admissions Act
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/51
The talking filibuster has unintended consequences
https://washingtonmonthly.com/2021/03/31/the-talking-filibuster-has-unintended-consequences/
