GOP MOVES TO WRECK THE ECONOMY
To defang present and future threats to the government’s ability to cover EXISTING debts, Dems must suspend the filibuster and repeal the debt ceiling.
QUICK READ: “When Congressional Republicans are willing to tank the economy and literally ruin millions of families’ livelihoods as part of some political strategy, you no longer have a loyal opposition, you have a dangerous threat to the American people. That is what Mitch’s obsession with power has done to the GOP.” House Budget Chair John Yarmuth (D-Ky)
TAKE ACTION NOW:
BACKGROUND
Last night Republicans filibustered the House-passed bill that would keep the government open past Thursday because it also extended the debt ceiling for two years.
They did so solely to create more chaos in Washington, stall Biden’s economic agenda, and paint Democrats as big spenders who cannot govern.
Allowing the government to default recklessly endangers programs Americans need, will hurt our families, businesses, the military, and economy, and even cause a global economic meltdown.
That Republicans contemplate blowing up our economy further demonstrates that they’ve embraced chaos, obstruction and destruction, which makes them incapable of actually governing.
McConnell Is now trying to dictate the terms under which he’ll allow the majority party to prevent his minority from causing a deliberate economic catastrophe. While he insists Democrats must raise the debt ceiling by themselves, he’ll filibuster that as well -- forcing them to use reconciliation, whose high dollar amount will be highlighted in future political ads.
The debt ceiling Is anachronistic, ineffective, misunderstood by the public, and divisive.
To prevent extortionate threats every few years that further undermine Americans’ faith in government, Democrats must remove McConnell’s weapon by repealing it immediately--even if this requires suspending the filibuster. The alternative is unthinkable.
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].
To prevent a government shutdown and extortionate threats every few years not to raise the debt ceiling, Democrats must:
- Immediately pass a continuing resolution to prevent a government shut-down
- Suspend the filibuster for a debt ceiling vote
- Remove this weapon from McConnell’s arsenal by repealing the anachronistic, ineffective debt ceiling
I am counting on you to convince Senate colleagues that this is the only solution.
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].
To prevent a government shutdown and extortionate threats every few years not to raise the debt ceiling, Democrats must:
- Immediately pass a continuing resolution to prevent a government shut-down
- Suspend the filibuster for a debt ceiling vote
- Remove this weapon from McConnell’s arsenal by repealing the anachronistic, ineffective debt ceiling.
I am counting on you to convince Senate colleagues that this is the only solution.
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 ceiling serves no purpose. 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. Voting otherwise would be highly reprehensible.
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, has been weaponized by Republicans and serves no real purpose. I am asking you to co-sponsor HR.1041, which would repeal this flawed law. And keep adhering to the promise to withhold consideration of the smaller infrastructure bill until the Senate’s passage of the Build Back Better Act.
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].
You should be ashamed of your vote for a government shutdown, which would be disastrous for your constituents and against the $35 billion in disaster relief your constituents clearly need. When they are brought up again in the House, I expect you to put their needs over your party’s obstructionism. We have our eyes on you.
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, has been weaponized by Republicans and serves no real purpose. I am asking you to co-sponsor HR.1041, which would repeal this flawed law. And keep adhering to the promise to withhold consideration of the smaller infrastructure bill until the Senate’s passage of the Build Back Better Act.
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, has been weaponized by Republicans and serves no real purpose. I am asking you to co-sponsor HR.1041, which would repeal this flawed law. And keep adhering to the promise to withhold consideration of the smaller infrastructure bill until the Senate’s passage of the Build Back Better Act.
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, has been weaponized by Republicans and serves no real purpose. I am asking you to co-sponsor HR.1041, which would repeal this flawed law. And keep adhering to the promise to withhold consideration of the smaller infrastructure bill until the Senate’s passage of the Build Back Better Act.
Action 3:
Other opportunities for action include:
WRITE LETTERS AND POSTCARDS IN GOOD COMPANY,
FRIDAY, OCT. 1, 4:00pm: https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/274619/
PHONEBANK TO ENCOURAGE VIRGINIANS TO VOTE
SATURDAY, OCT. 2, 12:00 noon-2:00pm: https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/410893/
Further Reading:
Only Republicans want to keep up this risky charade over the debt limit
The Republicans’ debt-ceiling ransom note finally comes into focus
Kill the debt limit now, Democrats. If you don’t, here’s what will happen
The debt limit fight is a scam. The GOP counts on voters not knowing that
The Next Real-Time Test for the Press
To Avert Debt Ceiling Calamity, Democrats Urged to Finally Kill the Filibuster
‘No backup plan’: Democrats reject grueling debt limit off-ramp
Republicans Don’t Want a Debt Default--Just Democratic Chaos
Republicans want “18 more months of chaos”--followed by the end of democracy
