DEBT CEILING MUST GO
Republicans’ refusal to pay for previously enacted programs cannot be allowed to force a government shutdown or an inability to pay its debts.
QUICK READ: Raising the debt ceiling doesn’t create more debt. It merely allows the Treasury to issue enough bonds to cover spending Congress already authorized. Since Congress clearly intends funds to be spent carrying out the legislation it passes, refusing to allow this is bad faith political theater with real-life economic consequences. The remedy? Remove it from the GOP arsenal by eliminating it.
TAKE ACTION NOW:
BACKGROUND
Americans deserve a government that provides the services we need. Republican obstructionism makes this impossible.
McConnell’s used filibuster threats to create a legislative graveyard. Now, by vowing to kill debt ceiling legislation, he’s recklessly endangering programs Americans need and causing a global economic meltdown when America defaults.
Passing a federal budget and then refusing to raise the debt limit is like buying something with your credit card but deciding not to pay when the bill comes due. Because both parties created the past debt, raising the ceiling must also be bipartisan--as it was during Trump’s presidency.
In our hyper-partisan political system, periodic debt ceiling fights become weapons of political warfare--as evidenced by McConnell’s threat to filibuster the House bill passed Tuesday. That bill now headed to the Senate extends government funding through December 3, suspends the debt ceiling until mid-December in 2022, and provides $35 billion for disaster relief and Afghan resettlement.
The best way to deal with McConnell’s threat is to repeal the debt ceiling, which arguably violates the Fourteenth Amendment’s prohibition against defaulting on Treasury’s obligations. This will prevent future GOP attempts to hold the government hostage.
If McConnell doesn’t blink, preventing a catastrophic government default will require filibuster reform.
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].
The Senate has just one week to pass legislation keeping the government open, dealing with the debt ceiling, and providing disaster relief and funds for Afghan resettlement. If McConnell doesn’t fold, Senators will have to confront the filibuster and get rid of the debt ceiling. I am counting on you to do the right thing. 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].
The Senate has just one week to pass legislation keeping the government open, dealing with the debt ceiling, and providing disaster relief and funds for Afghan resettlement. If McConnell doesn’t fold, Senators will have to confront the filibuster and get rid of the debt ceiling. I am counting on you to do the right thing.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
Forcing Congress to periodically raise the debt limit serves no purpose, since Congress clearly intends funds to be spent to carry out the legislation it passes. I am asking you to commit to voting for either the repeal or suspension of the debt limit and for the continuing resolution necessary to keep the government operating past September 30.
ACTION TWO: 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 voting to keep the government open and raising the debt ceiling. Forcing Congress to periodically do so, however, serves no purpose, since Congress clearly intends funds to be spent to carry out the legislation it passes. I am asking you to co-sponsor HR.1041, which would repeal this flawed policy. And keep adhering to the promise to withhold consideration of the smaller infrastructure bill until there’s a vote on Build Back Better.
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].
Forcing Congress to periodically raise the debt limit serves no purpose, since Congress clearly intends funds to be spent to carry out the legislation it passes. I am asking you to co-sponsor HR.1041, which would repeal this flawed policy.
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 voting to keep the government open and raising the debt ceiling. Forcing Congress to periodically do so, however, serves no purpose, since Congress clearly intends funds to be spent to carry out the legislation it passes. I am asking you to co-sponsor HR.1041, which would repeal this flawed policy. And keep adhering to the promise to withhold consideration of the smaller infrastructure bill until there’s a vote on Build Back Better.
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 voting to keep the government open and raising the debt ceiling. Forcing Congress to periodically do so, however, serves no purpose, since Congress clearly intends funds to be spent to carry out the legislation it passes. I am asking you to co-sponsor HR.1041, which would repeal this flawed policy. And keep adhering to the promise to withhold consideration of the smaller infrastructure bill until there’s a vote on Build Back Better.
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 voting to keep the government open and raising the debt ceiling. Forcing Congress to periodically do so, however, serves no purpose, since Congress clearly intends funds to be spent to carry out the legislation it passes. I am asking you to co-sponsor HR.1041, which would repeal this flawed policy. And keep adhering to the promise to withhold consideration of the smaller infrastructure bill until there’s a vote on Build Back Better.
Action 3:
Other opportunities for action include:
WRITE LETTERS AND POSTCARDS IN GOOD COMPANY,
FRIDAY, SEP 24, 4:00pm: https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/274619/
PHONEBANK TO ENCOURAGE VIRGINIANS TO VOTE
SAT, SEP 25, 12:00 noon-2:00pm: https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/410893/
Further Reading:
The only language McConnell understands is power. Act accordingly, Democrats
What’s up with Republicans’ brinkmanship on the debt ceiling?
Janet Yellen: Congress, Raise the Debt Limit
House Passes Spending Bill and Debt Limit Increase Over G.O.P. Opposition
House sends shutdown patch, debt fix to Senate demise
Debt Limit Stalemate Opens Cracks in the Filibuster
