Hi, all, and happy Friday.
Maybe it will be happy, after all. The Build Back Better Act gets its vote today! As does the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act! Like, any minute!
I’m curious to see how the media narrative changes when and if these bills pass. Despite its pared-down nature, the BBB is still a really important and amazing bill. Sure, it still has to get past Manchin and Sinema, but even getting it through the House will be considered a huge deal. So please remember to tout its awesome provisions—and Democrats’ unity in getting it done—to the rooftops. (You can use some of these awesome graphics on social media as soon as the vote has happened.)
It would be nice to end the week with a win after Tuesday’s pummeling. It’ll be another good reminder that politics is transient, ever-changing, and mostly unpredictable, and that everything—win or loss—does, in fact, pass.
Except for my love for all of you. That is solid and unending. Sending huge hugs to my fellow trudgers. There is no one I would rather be down but not out with. Let’s rest up this weekend and return to fight again on Monday.
Call Your Senators (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
First, with precious time running out to enact the Build Back Better agenda, I urge the Senator to refuse to vote for the $778 billion National Defense Authorization Act until Build Back Better is passed. Moreover, when they vote on the NDAA, I urge them to vote to cut the Pentagon budget. We should focus our resources on our communities, not the war machine. [H/T]
Second, I want the Senate to pass the Freedom to Vote Act (S. 2747), which would make Election Day a federal holiday, set national standards for voting rights, and require disclosure of “dark money” political campaign contributions. I’d also like them to Pass S. 2702 to protect the voting rights of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Thanks. [H/T]
Call Your House Rep (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
Most importantly, please VOTE YES ON H.R. 5376, THE BUILD BACK BETTER ACT. I know the House is voting today. I’m excited for this bill to pass—the bigger the better. We need it all! I’m thrilled that the BBBA is fully paid for by requiring the wealthy and big corporations to start paying their fair share of taxes. It’s about time!
Also, please ask the Congressmember to support H.R. 5008 to protect the voting rights of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Thanks. [H/T]
Extra Credit
[Please send this to President Biden either via Resistbot or his contact website.] [H/T]
While I am very glad that the EPA recently released a roadmap to regulating dangerous PFAS chemicals, I request that your administration add a commitment that the FDA will regulate all PFAS chemicals in the same group to your PFAS Strategic Roadmap: EPA's Commitment to Action 2021-2024.
Historically, whenever a new form of PFAS has been banned, industry has pivoted to another PFAS formulation that it touts as safe. But when testing is done, these new formulations are found to be linked to harm and contamination. We deserve a food system without fear that industry will just pivot to a slightly different — but nonetheless dangerous — chemical in the PFAS family.
The FDA should work with EPA to ban all PFAS chemicals that accumulate in the body. All the evidence shows that these chemicals build up in our bodies and are linked to cancer and other health harms. There is also ample evidence that PFAS contaminate in the environment for decades. I ask that FDA protect public health and the environment and ban the entire class of PFAS chemicals in our food. Thanks.
Resistbot Text (new to Resistbot? Go here!)
[to all 3 reps] [H/T]
I’m writing today to ask you to secure permanent protections for immigrants this year—ideally in the Build Back Better Act.
Poll after poll has shown that the American public on both sides of the aisle supports a path to citizenship for immigrants and want Congress to use every legislative tool available to put undocumented immigrants on a path to citizenship.
This is a pivotal issue for Congress that would greatly benefit local communities, families, and boost economic growth for this country.
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic millions of undocumented immigrants have risked their lives and the lives of their loved ones to promote the health, safety, and prosperity of all Americans. Permanent protections are long-overdue and are critical for the country's continued health response and economic recovery, and our efforts to rebuild our communities' infrastructure.
I am urging you to work with your colleagues and help deliver on the promise of permanent protections for millions of immigrants who call America home and live in constant fear of deportation and family separation. Thanks.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk tomorrow.
Jess