Victory Isn’t Just the Election. It’s the Legislation.

Jump to today’s actions:

Call the Senate
Call the House

Background

The voters delivered a slim trifecta to Democrats. Making good on the winners’ legislative promises is possible only if the Senate ends the filibuster. Democrats need only 51 votes and some parliamentary maneuvering.

Our image of filibustering is a lonely Senator talking a bill to death singlehandedly. In fact, the modern-day filibuster requires no speeches, just the sky-high bar of 60 votes to pass a bill.

The filibuster has broken the legislative process. Nothing important is passed anymore. Only 51 votes are required to pass taxes and spending bills, and nominations and appointments because 60 votes was too difficult.

Obama and Trump responded to gridlock by broadening the executive order. In other words, behaving more like autocrats.

Proponents say that 60 votes promotes compromise. But how much compromise has there been in the last eleven years? The Republicans hardly speak to Democrats about anything.

We can’t afford inaction by Congress. The country needs to end voter suppression, expand voting by mail, turn off dark money, reform police and prisons, pass immigration reform, and so much more. All currently require 60 votes. None of this will happen under the filibuster rule.

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].

Merkley and Wyden: I am calling to give you my full support for ending the 60-vote “filibuster” rule to pass legislation. I realize that without this rule change, it will be impossible to pass critical democracy reforms that we both care about, like HR 1and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.
I also hope that you and your staff are recovering from the insurrection. I send my support to you all.

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].

Merkley and Wyden: I am calling to give you my full support for ending the 60-vote “filibuster” rule to pass legislation. I realize that without this rule change, it will be impossible to pass critical democracy reforms that we both care about, like HR 1and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.
I also hope that you and your staff are recovering from the insurrection. I send my support to you all.

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 for your support to end the 60-vote “filibuster” rule to pass legislation. Congress has been unable to govern on much besides tax and spending bills, plus cabinet and judicial appointments. There are too many big problems that are only getting worse. End the filibuster so that Congress can legislate.

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 thank you for voting “yes” on the package of rules changes for the House, and to let you know that I am in favor of an end to the Senate filibuster. Unfortunately the filibuster neutralizes many of the important bills passed by the House. Ultimately, it erodes your ability to contribute to governing our country.

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 you to loosen your fealty to far-right forces that are hostile to our democracy. I am disappointed that you voted to deny certification for the ballots of Pennsylvania voters, and you voted “no” on impeachment. Both were anti-democratic votes with no reasonable justification. Please do better in the future.

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 thank you for voting “yes” on the package of rules changes for the House, and to let you know that I am in favor of an end to the Senate filibuster. Unfortunately the filibuster neutralizes many of the important bills passed by the House. Ultimately, it erodes your ability to contribute to governing our country.

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 thank you for voting “yes” on the package of rules changes for the House, and to let you know that I am in favor of an end to the Senate filibuster. Unfortunately the filibuster neutralizes many of the important bills passed by the House. Ultimately, it erodes your ability to contribute to governing our country.

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 thank you for voting “yes” on the package of rules changes for the House, and to let you know that I am in favor of an end to the Senate filibuster. Unfortunately the filibuster neutralizes many of the important bills passed by the House. Ultimately, it erodes your ability to contribute to governing our country.