WE NEED CONGRESSIONAL RULES THAT WORK FOR THE PEOPLE
Jump to today’s actions:
Background
We all deserve healthcare, housing, and food- especially in this pandemic. President-Elect Biden has plans to help us. Some can be done via executive order. But others require Congressional legislation. For meaningful legislation, to move this country forward we must update and reform Congressional rules.
While rules of the House and Senate are technical, they govern our lives and make the difference between legislation that works for the people or works for corporations, that moves us to an anti-racist future or condemns us to repeat the mistakes of our past.
The rules that need reform are
Motion to recommit (in the House) – this gives the minority chances to attach poison pills amendments to legislation at the last minute.
Pay go (in the House) – this budget rule blocks spending unless it’s paid for. We will never get out of this pandemic and help the economy without spending money first.
Filibuster (in the Senate) – allows minority rule to block legislation and weaponized by the current Majority Leader. For things McConnell wants passed there is no filibuster. For things Democrats wants passed there is one.
These rules are under negotiation now. Call Congress today – demand rules that work for the people.
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].
We all deserve healthcare, housing, and food – especially in this pandemic. To pass any meaningful legislation, to move this country forward, we must get rid of the filibuster and stop allowing one Senator to put a hold on legislation. Please work with your colleagues to reform Senate rules so they work for the people.
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].
We all deserve healthcare, housing, and food – especially in this pandemic. To pass any meaningful legislation, to move this country forward, we must get rid of the filibuster and stop allowing one Senator to put a hold on legislation. Please work with your colleagues to reform Senate rules so they work for the people.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
We all deserve healthcare, housing, and food – especially in this pandemic. To pass any meaningful legislation, to move this country forward, we must get rid of the filibuster and stop allowing one Senator to put a hold on legislation. Please work with your colleagues to reform Senate rules so they work for the people.
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].
We all deserve healthcare, housing, and food – especially in this pandemic. To pass any meaningful legislation, to move this country forward, we must get rid of the following rules:
The motion to recommit
Pay go
Please work with your colleagues to reform House rules so they work for the people.
Script for Greg Walden (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].
As you leave office please do something for your constituents. To pass any meaningful legislation, to move this country forward, we must get rid of the following rules:
The motion to recommit
Pay go
Please work with your colleagues to reform House rules so they work for the people.
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].
We all deserve healthcare, housing, and food – especially in this pandemic. To pass any meaningful legislation, to move this country forward, we must get rid of the following rules:
The motion to recommit
Pay go
Please work with your colleagues to reform House rules so they work for the people.
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].
We all deserve healthcare, housing, and food – especially in this pandemic. To pass any meaningful legislation, to move this country forward, we must get rid of the following rules:
The motion to recommit
Pay go
Please work with your colleagues to reform House rules so they work for the people.
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].
We all deserve healthcare, housing, and food – especially in this pandemic. To pass any meaningful legislation, to move this country forward, we must get rid of the following rules:
The motion to recommit
Pay go
Please work with your colleagues to reform House rules so they work for the people. s.
3. Save the Senate: GA Run-Offs in January.
Georgia on your mind? We know you're excited to get to work on the upcoming Senate elections in Georgia.
PLEASE JOIN US FOR INDIVISIBLE OREGON VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION EVENT, NOV 21, 12noon-2:00pm: https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/363646/
INDIVISIBLE OREGON EVENTS: https://www.indivisibleor.org/events
VOTE FORWARD LETTER WRITING HAS BEGUN. IF YOU ALREADY HAVE AN ACCOUNT, YOU CAN SIGN IN OR WRITE LETTERS WITH US AT THE VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION EVENT ON SATURDAY
IF THERE ARE NO LETTERS AND YOU’RE ABLE, THOSE ON THE GROUND IN GEORGIA NEED MONEY. YOU CAN DONATE:
GA SENATE CAMPAIGNS: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/georgiasenate
RECLAIM OUR VOTE: https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/reclaim-our-vote-preparing-for-2020-fundraising-campaign/
RAPHAEL WARNOCK CAMPAIGN: https://warnockforgeorgia.com/
JON OSSOFF CAMPAIGN: https://electjon.com/
FAIR FIGHT GEORGIA SENATE https://GASenate.com
Sources:
The definitive case for ending the filibuster
https://www.vox.com/21424582/filibuster-joe-biden-2020-senate-democrats-abolish-trump
House Rules that need Changing
https://indivisible.org/resource/house-representatives-rules-need-changing
Ending the Filibuster
https://indivisible.org/resource/congress-101-filibuster
