WE CANNOT LET MAGA REPUBLICANS TANK OUR ECONOMY
QUICK READ: We cannot let MAGA Republicans hold our economy hostage. If our Members of Congress cannot guarantee passage of a clean debt ceiling bill, they must convince President Biden to continue paying the government’s congressionally approved obligations, as the Fourteenth Amendment requires. Succumbing to the blackmailers now would only embolden them next time.
CONTENTS:
BACKGROUND
Every American deserves economic security, but MAGA Republicans, in a fiscal version of January 6, refuse to let America pay its debts unless Democrats agree to drastically cut vital government programs—both with job-destroying consequences.
Every year, Congress legislates government spending. It also determines the taxes individuals and corporations pay. What can be borrowed to cover the difference depends on Congress’ arbitrary “debt ceiling.”
Since 1960, Congress raised or suspended it 78 times. In the last two Democratic administrations, however, congressional Republicans created default crises over past expenses to force painful, unpopular future budget cuts.
The MAGA-controlled House’s latest extortion, endorsed by 47 GOP Senators, requires deep spending cuts and reversal of last year’s tax enforcement and green energy investments.
House Democrats are trying to force a vote on a clean debt ceiling increase, but they need at least 5 Republican discharge petition signers, and the 8 and 6 days respectively the House and Senate are in sessionbefore the government runs out of money on June 1, makes this scenario unlikely.
Because Congress already approved this spending, the Fourteenth Amendment’s proscription against questioning the public debt’s validity, which requires President Biden to tell Congress he’ll continue the necessary borrowing, is the only viable way to avoid economic mayhem here and abroad.
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]. Thank you for trying to find a solution to the debt ceiling standoff by introducing the Protect Our CREDIT Act (S. 212) (allowing the executive branch to raise the debt ceiling subject to congressional override), but, since reaching the limit is only weeks away, we need other approaches to stave off default. If House Democrats push through a clean bill with their discharge petition, you need to convince your colleagues to do likewise. Otherwise, you must convince President Biden to continue paying the country’s bills, as the Fourteenth Amendment requires.
*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 cannot let MAGA Republicans hold our economy hostage Succumbing to the blackmailers now would only embolden them next time. If House Democrats push through a clean bill with their discharge petition, you need to convince your colleagues to do likewise. Otherwise, you must use your influence to ensure President Biden continues paying the country’s bills, as the Fourteenth Amendment requires.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code]. You need to stop pretending you care about the deficit, which has risen whenever your party is in the White House and fallen under Democratic presidents. If you really wanted to decrease the debt, you would be cutting billionaires’ taxes, rather than the programs that benefit your constituents. Flirting with a default is unconscionable. Support a clean debt ceiling increase now.
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].
We cannot let MAGA Republicans hold our economy hostage. Succumbing to the blackmailers now would only embolden them next time. Please do all that you can to convince Democratic and Republican colleagues to sign the discharge petition permitting a vote for a clean debt hike increase, but, if this fails, convince President Biden he must continue paying the country’s bills, as the Fourteenth Amendment requires.
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]. We need a clean debt ceiling and we need it now. If you really cared about the deficit, you would be raising, not cutting, billionaires’ taxes. The two alternatives your party is advancing—default on the debt or massive cuts to discretionary spending—will both severely hurt your constituents. Raise the debt ceiling now or lose your seat next year.
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 cannot let MAGA Republicans hold our economy hostage. Succumbing to the blackmailers now would only embolden them next time. Please do all that you can to convince Democratic and Republican colleagues to sign the discharge petition permitting a vote for a clean debt hike increase, but, if this fails, convince President Biden he must continue paying the country’s bills, as the Fourteenth Amendment requires.
Script for Val Hoyle (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 cannot let MAGA Republicans hold our economy hostage. Succumbing to the blackmailers now would only embolden them next time. Please do all that you can to convince Democratic and Republican colleagues to sign the discharge petition permitting a vote for a clean debt hike increase, but, if this fails, convince President Biden he must continue paying the country’s bills, as the Fourteenth Amendment requires.
Script for Lori Chavez-DeRemer (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 need a clean debt ceiling and we need it now. If you really cared about the deficit, you would be raising, not cutting, billionaires’ taxes. The two alternatives your party is advancing—default on the debt or massive cuts to discretionary spending—will both severely hurt your constituents. Raise the debt ceiling now or lose your seat next year.
Script for Andrea Salinas (OR-06)
Salem office: 503-385-0906 | DC office: 202-225-5643
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
We cannot let MAGA Republicans hold our economy hostage. Succumbing to the blackmailers now would only embolden them next time. Please do all that you can to convince Democratic and Republican colleagues to sign the discharge petition permitting a vote for a clean debt hike increase, but, if this fails, convince President Biden he must continue paying the country’s bills, as the Fourteenth Amendment requires.
FURTHER READING
What is the debt ceiling, and what happens if the U.S. hits it?
Are Republicans Willing to Raise the Debt Ceiling?
In Debt Limit Talks, Biden and Republicans Start Far Apart
Democrats finally seem terrified of GOP debt limit lunacy. About time.
7 doomsday scenarios if the U.S. crashes through the debt ceiling
House Democrats reveal secret plan to force vote on debt limit hike
Why I Changed My Mind on the Debt Limit
Biden Can ‘Absolutely’ Invoke 14th Amendment Over Debt Ceiling, Says Raskin
‘End the Absurdity’: Experts Say Biden Must Not Let GOP Force ‘Catastrophic’ Default
