Democrats pass $1.9 Trillion to Rescue People, Fight Virus

Jump to today’s actions:

Call the Senate
Call the House

Background

Today House Democrats follow Senate Democrats in passing Biden’s COVID relief bill. In a bet on trickle-up economic theory, 2/3rds of the aid will go to individuals rather than businesses.

Twenty percent of the $1.9T will go to the poorest 20% of people, boosting their income by 33%. One third of Americans and half of children will be lifted out of poverty.

The biggest share consists of the $1,400 one-time payment, expanded unemployment through early September, and larger child tax credits. In addition:

The Earned Income Tax Credit minimum age drops to 19, with no upper-age limit, and nearly triples for childless workers.
ACA premiums for benchmark plans are $0 for anyone below 150% of the federal poverty level, and capped at 8.5% of income for everyone except the highest earners.
Expanded SNAP benefits will continue.
Protects workers’ pensions.
Direct relief to child care facilities, including subsidies for parents.

The bill also sends relief to state, tribal and local governments; grants to truly small businesses including restaurants and child care centers; funds the vaccination program; offers incentives to states to join Medicaid; and helps schools re-open. Democrats deserve heartfelt thanks for stepping up and governing.

1. Call the Senate.

Script 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 passing the American Rescue Plan. I am deeply grateful that Democrats provided help for people most in need. I am also grateful that Democrats funded a robust vaccine program; protected workers’ pensions, sent aid to state, tribal and local governments; schools, child care, and more. S1, the For the People Act, is the next order of business. I completely support your push to end the filibuster so that this bill can pass.

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].

Thank you for passing the American Rescue Plan. I am deeply grateful that Democrats provided help for people most in need. I am also grateful that Democrats funded a robust vaccine program; protected workers’ pensions, sent aid to state, tribal and local governments; schools, child care, and more. S1, the For the People Act, is the next order of business. I completely support your push to end the filibuster so that this bill can pass.

Script for Republican Senators

D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].

I am deeply grateful that that Congress provided the American Rescue Act to help those most in need as well as state and local governments; a robust vaccine program; schools, child care, and more. I realize that you and your Republican colleagues contributed nothing to this effort. I hope you find a way out of the toxic morass that your party has become, and remember how to govern with compassion and integrity. Your next opportunity is to vote yes on S1, the For the People Act. I hope you come through.

2. Call the House.

Look up your rep.

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 American Rescue Plan. I am deeply grateful that Democrats provided help for people most in need. I am also grateful that Democrats funded a robust vaccine program; protected workers’ pensions, sent aid to state, tribal and local governments; schools, child care, and more. What a relief to have leaders in charge who care about governing! HR1, the For the People Act, is the next order of business.

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].

I am deeply grateful that that Congress provided the American Rescue Act to help those most in need as well as state and local governments; a robust vaccine program; schools, child care, and more. I realize that you and your Republican colleagues contributed nothing to this effort. I hope you find a way out of the toxic morass that your party has become, and remember how to govern with compassion and integrity. Your next opportunity is to vote yes on HR1, the For the People Act. I hope you come through.

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 American Rescue Plan. I am deeply grateful that Democrats provided help for people most in need. I am also grateful that Democrats funded a robust vaccine program; protected workers’ pensions, sent aid to state, tribal and local governments; schools, child care, and more. What a relief to have leaders in charge who care about governing! HR1, the For the People Act, is the next order of business.

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 American Rescue Plan. I am deeply grateful that Democrats provided help for people most in need. I am also grateful that Democrats funded a robust vaccine program; protected workers’ pensions, sent aid to state, tribal and local governments; schools, child care, and more. What a relief to have leaders in charge who care about governing! HR1, the For the People Act, is the next order of business.

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 passing the American Rescue Plan. I am deeply grateful that Democrats provided help for people most in need. I am also grateful that Democrats funded a robust vaccine program; protected workers’ pensions, sent aid to state, tribal and local governments; schools, child care, and more. What a relief to have leaders in charge who care about governing! HR1, the For the People Act, is the next order of business.

Action 3 - Help Pass For the People Act in the Senate

Help us mobilize activists in other states to contact their MoCs Senators and urge them to support the For the People Act. We’ll have events at 4p on Friday, March 19th and at noon on Saturday, March 20th. Look for sign-up links on the Indivisible Oregon website and here in Action 3 later in the week.