Obstruction is Not Bipartisanship
DC Statehood is Pro-Democracy
Jump to today’s actions:
BACKGROUND
Yesterday was a big day for saving democracy. Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held hearings on the Washing, D.C. Admissions Act (S51) and the Senate held its first procedural vote on the For the People Act (S1). Democrats compromised with themselves to obtain 50 votes to even debate the bill, belying the ludicrous argument that the filibuster is essential to deliberation and bipartisanship. Unsurprisingly, Republicans filibustered, preventing debate.
Democratic senators have options:
Eliminate the filibuster.
Reform the filibuster to exclude pro-democracy legislation.
Weaken bills to appease bullies in both parties and wait for the inevitable filibuster.
Appeasing bullies and talking filibusters, which would allow Republicans to use democracy-killing delay, are unacceptable.
Our Members of Congress tell us it helps them press our case when they hear from us. We need them all to stand strong for democracy. Too often, Democrats have yielded to GOP messaging and bullying by corporatists like Manchin, inadvertently reinforced autocratic behavior.
If we raise our voices together, we will be heard. Commit to calling your senators today and tomorrow to advocate for these bills. Remind them Republicans repeatedly use the filibuster to obstruct legislation the majority 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 from this week, as a procedural vote is called. I'm concerned another proposed compromise, a talking filibuster, would allow Republicans to stall S.1 beyond the deadline for redistricting and S.1, S.51, and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act beyond this legislative session.
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 thank the senator for proposing introducing the POLL Act and ask him to continue to stand strong for democracy by calling for elimination of the filibuster this week, or at the least exempting pro-democracy legislation from it. I'm concerned another proposed compromise, a talking filibuster, would allow Republicans to stall S.1 beyond the deadline for redistricting and S.1, S.51, and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act beyond this legislative session.
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 Washington, D.C. Admissions Act (S.51). It is time to ensure the promise of democracy for everyone.
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.51, S.51, and other pro-democracy, infrastructure, and safety legislation by simple majority vote.
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].
The GOP’s war on democracy, now focused on sabotaging our elections, is traitorous. If you care about democracy, you should object and make public these GOP actions to limit voting and rig vote counting.
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 your colleagues' voices calling on the Senate to eliminate the filibuster and pass S.1, S.51, and other pro-democracy, infrastructure, and safety legislation by simple majority vote.
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.51, S.51, and other pro-democracy, infrastructure, and safety legislation by simple majority vote.
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.51, S.51, and other pro-democracy, infrastructure, and safety legislation by simple majority vote.
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.
Please check out Indivisible national’s phone banks for voter outreach and advocacy:
Arizona Phone Banks: June 29 and July 7
Further Reading
Stop hoping the G.O.P. will play ball
How Joe Manchin could be the guy who saved the filibuster and the Senate
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/06/22/joe-manchin-save-filibuster/
Senate committee to hold hearing on DC statehood bill
https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/22/politics/dc-statehood-bill-senate-committee-hearing/index.html
Washington, D.C. Admissions Act (S.51)
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/51
Press Release: Norton Opening Statement for Historic [House] Committee Markup & Vote on D.C. Statehood Bill – TheDCLine.org
It's past time to grant D.C. statehood
Pentagon placed limits on D.C. guard ahead of pro-Trump protests [the 1/6/2021 insurrection]
