GO BIG AND BOLD ON INFRASTRUCTURE
However the two-path strategy of passing part of the American Jobs and Families Plan through regular order and the other part through reconciliation plays out, Congress must deliver on Biden’s promise to rebuild America and attack climate change by forcing the rich to pay their fair share.
Jump to today’s actions:
BACKGROUND
As introduced, Biden’s plan to rebuild America had two parts--physical infrastructure (AJP) and human infrastructure (AFP), financed by new taxes on corporations and the ultra-rich. Economists warned, however, that a lasting recovery adequately addressing the climate, racial justice, and economic crises required at least three times the proposed investment.
To avoid a possible filibuster, Biden negotiated a watered-down AJP with 21 bipartisan Senators:
Covers only traditional infrastructure and some clean energy.
Costs 26% of original plan.
On a parallel track is the far larger human infrastructure bill. Once Congress passes budget resolutions establishing its price tag, it can pass with only 51 votes. Financed by a tax code overhaul, it would pour trillions into health care, child care, higher education access, climate change, Medicare expansion, and possibly a pathway to citizenship.
Will they be linked? Biden says “no,” but Pelosi, to prevent McConnell’s sabotage, will only bring bi-partisan bill to the House floor after the Senate passes AFP through reconciliation.
Our role as citizens is to push Congress for the most comprehensive, progressive legislation possible. Call your MoCs today, tell them your bottom line, and then keep calling. We only get what we need by reiterating our message.
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].
Congress must go big and bold to build back our economy and restructure it to benefit all Americans. I am calling on the Senator to push for passage of the most comprehensive, progressive human infrastructure legislation possible through reconciliation. If this becomes impossible, please convince Majority Leader Schumer to cancel the August recess. Thank you for taking a leadership role in this process.
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].
Congress must go big and bold to build back our economy and restructure it to benefit all Americans. I am calling on the Senator to push for passage of the most comprehensive, progressive human infrastructure legislation possible through reconciliation. If this becomes impossible, please convince Majority Leader Schumer to cancel the August recess. Thank you for taking a leadership role in this process.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
Congress must go big and bold to build back our economy and restructure it to benefit all Americans. I am calling on the Senator to prioritize people over politics and to vote for passage of both the legislation negotiated between President Biden and the bipartisan group of Senators and the human infrastructure legislation proposed by the Democrats. Your constituents will benefit greatly from both pieces of legislation, and they deserve your support.
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].
Congress must go big and bold to build back our economy and restructure it to benefit all Americans. I am calling on the Representative to push for passage of the most comprehensive, progressive legislation possible through reconciliation and to convince colleagues not to take up the Biden compromise until after the Senate passes the human infrastructure bill through reconciliation.
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].
Congress must go big and bold to build back our economy and restructure it to benefit all Americans. I am calling on the Representative to prioritize people over politics and to vote for passage of both infrastructure bills when they reach the House floor. Your constituents will benefit greatly from both pieces of legislation, and they deserve your support.
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].
Congress must go big and bold to build back our economy and restructure it to benefit all Americans. I am calling on the Representative to push for passage of the most comprehensive, progressive legislation possible through reconciliation and to convince colleagues not to take up the Biden compromise until after the Senate passes the human infrastructure bill through reconciliation.
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].
Congress must go big and bold to build back our economy and restructure it to benefit all Americans. I am calling on the Representative to push for passage of the most comprehensive, progressive legislation possible through reconciliation and to convince colleagues not to take up the Biden compromise until after the Senate passes the human infrastructure bill through reconciliation.
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].
Congress must go big and bold to build back our economy and restructure it to benefit all Americans. I was very disappointed to hear that you intend to vote against the human infrastructure bill. Your constituents will benefit greatly from both pieces of legislation, and they deserve your support.
3. Take Action
Please keep an eye on our webpage and https://townhallproject.com/ 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
The American Jobs and Families Plan, Explained
Infrastructure and McConnell’s Theory of Midterm Politics
McConnell tries to derail Democratic infrastructure strategy
Inside Biden’s $1.2 Trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal
Three things that could still blow up the bipartisan infrastructure deal
Bipartisan Deal Would Meet Only Some of Nation’s Infrastructure Needs
ITEP: Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal Must Be Accompanied by Bolder Legislation
‘It’s a daydream:’ Questions emerge about financing plans for bipartisan infrastructure deal
New Data: Poll Shows Voters Strongly Back Climate-Related Infrastructure Investments
Biden climate adviser says clean electricity standard needed in infrastructure bill
