Hi, all.
I know yesterday felt like a kick in the stomach, but I’ll remind you again: it was a kick we knew was coming. To quote Declaration for American Democracy, “the outcome of [yesterday’s] vote is the opening salvo in our summer-long fight to protect our freedom to vote and ensure that we all have a say in the key decisions that impact our lives. There will be more votes in the weeks ahead.”
Again: There will. Be. More. Votes. In the weeks ahead.
Read Teri Kanefield’s thread and the article she links to. Kanefield is excellent at calming hysteria and framing things in a positive and actionable way. And the article, by law professor Richard Hasen, shows a viable way forward we would do well to support.
In short, S1/HR1 is one version of a bill with many, many provisions. Some are pie-in-the-sky, and others are must-haves. We will keep fighting for the latter. We will get them in some bill. We will pass them. We must.
I have faith. So should you.
But remember: faith is an ACTION. So let’s get to work one more time.
Call Your Senators (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
First of all, I’m furious that Republicans filibustered debate on the For the People Act yesterday. To filibuster a discussion about voting rights is outrageous. Americans want election reform by wide margins. Congress ignores this at their peril.
[If Dem add:] Democrats must do anything and everything necessary to pass this bill. Including voting to abolish or reform the filibuster.
[If GOP add] Shame on the Senator for putting party over our democracy. I will be encouraging the Democrats to abolish the filibuster to pass this bill.
Also? I support HR5, the Equality Act, and want it passed during Pride month. LGBTQ rights matter to me a lot [give personal reason if applicable.] Thanks
Call Your House Rep (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
First, I know Rep. Houlahan just re-introduced the Support UNFPA Funding Act, which reaffirms the United States’ commitment to the United Nations Population Fund and gender equality around the world. I want the Congressmember to support it.
I also want to reiterate my support for the Women’s Health Protection Act. There have been too many attacks on abortion rights across our country. Women’s access to abortion must be protected. I want this bill passed immediately. Thanks.
Extra Credit
Post this on social media.
If #RoevWade fell tomorrow, 24 states could IMMEDIATELY act to prohibit abortion outright.
🔊 Tell Congress we need the Women's Health Protection Act to protect abortion rights nationwide. 🔊 #ActForAbortionAccess https://bit.ly/2PdwbzN
Get Organized!
On Thursday Swing Left, one of the most effective progressive activism organizations, will host a call to lay out their 2021-22 strategy, including how the work of other organizations (like letter writers with Vote Forward) will play a part. And you can join in! It’s a great opportunity to see how this entire community is working together, and how you or your local group might be able to plug in.
The call is from 8-9pm eastern, and you can join by going to Mobilize and registering HERE. [H/T]
Resistbot Text (new to Resistbot? Go here!)
[to your Senators] [H/T]
As your constituent, I’m writing to ask you to cosponsor S. 1217, the Climate Risk Disclosure Act of 2021.
The United States lags far behind global partners in safeguarding the financial system against the climate crisis, despite escalating calls for action from scientists, economists, business leaders, and investors.
By increasing market transparency through the establishment of clear, easily comparable climate disclosure standards, S. 1217 will empower investors to appropriately assess climate-related risks, safeguard against financial risk resulting from environmental catastrophes, and help the market transition from fossil fuels to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources in time to prevent the worst impacts of the climate crisis. A companion bill, H.R. 2570, has already passed the House.
The physical risks of climate change are bad enough. It’s time to safeguard our financial system from the risks associated with climate change as well. Please support S. 1217. Thanks!
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk tomorrow.
Jess