OUR DEMOCRACY IS AT A CROSSROADS
the Senate filibuster prevents us from protecting our freedoms and preserving our democracy
QUICK READ:
The filibuster poses an existential threat to our democracy at both the state and federal levels. Unless it is eliminated, extreme gerrymandering and voter suppression and nullification will enable the GOP, through election manipulation, to “win” more states and even the White House and Congress without actually persuading the majority to vote for them. Our Members of Congress cannot let that happen.
TAKE ACTION NOW:
BACKGROUND
Recent events in Texas provide a stark picture of what America will become without filibuster reform. Despite trending blue, extreme gerrymandering after the 2010 census enabled Republicans to create legislative supermajorities, allowing them to pass laws to make voting much more difficult and abortion almost impossible.
Unless Senate Democrats eliminate the filibuster, these unconstitutional, highly unpopular policies will be copied in many states and even nationally, as Republicans seize control through already occurring further gerrymandering.
America will become a post-democracy, where the will of the majority will be overruled by a right-wing minority that has successfully destroyed all means of democratic accountability. The Senate must immediately eliminate the filibuster and pass the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.
Texas’ effective ban on abortions can also be nullified by federal legislation. The House will soon codify Roe v. Wade into law. But there are insufficient votes to break a GOP filibuster.
The Supreme Court’s gutting of the Voting Rights Act and effective reversal of Roe v. Wade leaves Congress as our last protector. Our Members of Congress must fight to eliminate the filibuster and convince President Biden to fight as well.
ACTION One: 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 expect my Members of Congress to fight mightily to eliminate this Jim Crow relic and to convince President Biden of the urgent need to do likewise. It is time to show Democratic voters that they cast their votes wisely.
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 expect my Members of Congress to fight mightily to eliminate this Jim Crow relic and to convince President Biden of the urgent need to do likewise. It is time to show Democratic voters that they cast their votes wisely.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
I believe voting is the right of every citizen, and not just a privileged few. I hope you can find it in yourself to strengthen democracy and support the upcoming voting rights bills.
ACTION 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 co-sponsoring the Women’s Health Protection Act (HR 3755) and working for its quick passage. Please impress on Senate colleagues and President Biden that the filibuster must go. And remind your constituents that wearing masks and getting vaccinated is patriotic.
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].
Although you failed to co-sponsor HR.3755, the Women’s Health Protection Act, I expect you to vote for it. I also implore you to publicly remind local officials and your constituents throughout CD2 that wearing masks and getting vaccinated is the best way to show their patriotism.
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 co-sponsoring the Women’s Health Protection Act (HR 3755) and working for its quick passage. Please impress on Senate colleagues and President Biden that the filibuster must go. And remind your constituents that wearing masks and getting vaccinated is patriotic.
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 co-sponsoring the Women’s Health Protection Act (HR 3755) and working for its quick passage. Please impress on Senate colleagues and President Biden that the filibuster must go. And remind your constituents that wearing masks and getting vaccinated is patriotic.
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'm very glad you stand with women. Thank you for co-sponsoring the Women’s Health Protection Act (HR 3755) and working for its quick passage. Please impress on Senate colleagues and President Biden that the filibuster must go. And remind your constituents that wearing masks and getting vaccinated is patriotic. Republicans SAY they’re “pro-life,” but OPPOSE life-sustaining bills on health care, child care and other needs of poor women, children, and families!
Action 3:
Please join us for our Indivisible Tuesday Zoom meeting with staff from Senator Wyden’s office and Representative Blumenauer’s office, from 11:30am to 12:30 pm today. You can register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcocu-uqj4pGtPgFcmFEP5LjWMqNoKqwnAM
Contact people in California and tell them to vote “no” on the recall and get all their friends to do likewise. If Newsome loses, and Senator Feinstein steps down for health reasons, a MAGA Republican would likely be appointed, and Democrats would lose control of the Senate.
Phonebank to stop the California recall https://www.mobilize.us/cadems/event/410899/?fbclid=IwAR2t5jwJNdh-H7wubjQa0pCYVpCyN7RQUZeW7bCvv3OlQ9QWWUqORn11y88
Further Reading:
Abortion, voting rights, guns and covid: Texas Republicans go all in
Texas abortion ban should wake Democrats up: A dystopian hellscape awaits without filibuster reform
Our rigged Political System Comes for Roe
Women’s Health Protection Act Reintroduced in Congress: “Abortion with Dignity and Without Barriers”
New census data should be a boost to Democrats — but GOP is likely to win anyway
