CANCEL THE SENATE’S AUGUST RECESS
Proving to Americans that Democrats, not MAGA Republicans, will protect their interests is more important than having the August recess.
QUICK READ: Senate Democrats, having passed the Inflation Reduction Act, must keep their momentum going by voting on the House-passed legislation counteracting the Supreme Court’s attacks on abortion, contraception, and same-sex marriage and the assault weapons ban. Senate leadership must also force MAGA Republicans to publicly oppose voting rights, immigration reform, DC statehood, and police reform, clearly demonstrating which party represents voters’ interests. Solidifying Democrats’ control of Congress is more important than the August recess, which must be canceled.
CONTENTS:
BACKGROUND
Having finally passed the popular Inflation Reduction Act. Senate Democrats must keep up the momentum--showing American voters they can pass legislation Americans want and need.
Now’s not the time for an August recess.
To counteract the Supreme Court’s unpopular attacks on Americans’ civil rights, the House quickly passed legislation protecting abortion rights, access to contraception, same-sex and interracial marriage, and the assault weapons ban. The Senate must act.
Also languishing there are House-passed bills addressing significant Democratic priorities-- voting rights,immigration reform, DC statehood, and police reform.
Forcing MAGA Republicans to publicly take positions will show voters which party protects their interests and may even push wavering Republicans to vote “yes” on some bills—which Schumer’s approach--seeking unanimous consent or achieving a filibuster-proof majority before the vote--won’t do.
Other bills requiring Senate action include antitrust reform, digital privacy regulation, and net neutrality, which the FCC cannot reinstate until Biden’s last nominee’s confirmed.
Unless the Senate works through August, there won’t be time to confirm all judicial and executive nominees or have Senate votes on these bills, and the American people won’t learn MAGA Republicans’ true colors.
Doing so helps ensure Democrats maintain their Congressional majorities in November.
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].
Now that you’ve passed the Inflation Reduction Act, for which I am very thankful, please convince leadership that the August recess must be canceled so Senators can continue confirming judicial and executive nominees and force Republicans to publicly vote on the House-passed assault weapons ban and legislation protecting abortion rights, access to contraception, and same-sex marriage, along with other languishing bills addressing significant parts of the Democrats’ agenda. Such votes will show MAGA Republicans’ true colors and demonstrate clearly that electing Democrats is the only way Americans can have their priorities enacted. Solidifying Democrats’ control of Congress is more important than the August recess.
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].
Now that you’ve passed the Inflation Reduction Act, for which I am very thankful, please convince leadership that the August recess must be canceled so Senators can continue confirming judicial and executive nominees and force Republicans to publicly vote on the House-passed assault weapons ban and legislation protecting abortion rights, access to contraception, and same-sex marriage, along with other languishing bills addressing significant parts of the Democrats’ agenda. Such votes will show MAGA Republicans’ true colors and demonstrate clearly that electing Democrats is the only way Americans can have their priorities enacted. Solidifying Democrats’ control of Congress is more important than the August recess.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
It is time for you to stop your posturing and vote for the policies your constituents overwhelmingly support—which is what you were sent to Congress to do. That you are out of step with the majority of Americans will come back to haunt you.
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 passing the assault weapons ban and swiftly counteracting the Supreme Court’s attacks on abortion, contraception, and same-sex marriage. You must also regularly expose MAGA Republicans’ true colors, while simultaneously explaining Democrats’ successes and hopes for the next session if Dems are elected in sufficient numbers.
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].
Thank you for voting to protect same-sex marriage, but I was disappointed you voted against the other House-bills counteracting the Supreme Court’s disastrous rulings. The protection of abortion rights, access to contraception, and the assault weapons ban are popular with your constituents and deserve your support.
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 passing the assault weapons ban and swiftly counteracting the Supreme Court’s attacks on abortion, contraception, and same-sex marriage. Your 30-day series explaining Democrats’ successes and hopes for the next session is very important in the battle for the hearts and minds of voters. Please disseminate this information as widely as possible.
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 passing the assault weapons ban and swiftly counteracting the Supreme Court’s attacks on abortion, contraception, and same-sex marriage. You must also regularly expose MAGA Republicans’ true colors, while simultaneously explaining Democrats’ successes and hopes for the next session if Dems are elected in sufficient numbers.
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 was very disappointed you voted against the assault weapons ban, but I appreciate your votes on other important Democratic priorities. You must also regularly expose MAGA Republicans’ true colors, while simultaneously explaining Democrats’ successes and hopes for the next session if Dems are elected in sufficient numbers.
ACTION THREE: Good Trouble.
GOOD TROUBLE: Below are opportunities to fight for our democracy. As John Lewis said, go make some “good trouble.”
Fridays at 4 - Letter and Postcard Writing — Indivisible Oregon.
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Work to protect democracy in the House by electing Democrats Val Hoyle in District 4, Jamie McLeod-Skinner in District 5, and Andrea Salinas in Oregon’s new Congressional District 6.
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FURTHER READING
House Passes Bills Protecting Abortion Access in First Votes After Supreme Court Ruling
House passes bill to protect same-sex marriage in effort to counter Supreme Court
‘Possibility’ that 10 Senate Republicans will back same-sex marriage bill; Schumer wants a vote
House passes bill to protect access to contraceptives after Supreme Court warning shot
House passes assault weapons ban that’s doomed in the Senate
After House Passes Assault Weapons Ban, Advocates Say Senate Opponents Must Be Forced to Vote
Tech industry’s critical policy issues likely tabled as Congress heads for recess
An Antitrust bill Targeting Big Tech Appears to Have the Votes. Why Is Schumer Sitting on it?
Here are 3 Ways the Lack of Statehood Deprives D.C. of Hundreds of Millions of Dollars
Senate minimum wage battle could play out in midterm elections
Dozen Pentagon nominees stalled as Senate leaves for August recess
