Hi, everyone, and happy Wednesday!
The fight to pass voting rights legislation continues to heat up. So while I will rotate the subjects of our Senate calls—we must, after all, walk and chew gum—I want to urge you to make a separate call EVERY DAY about the For the People Act as well, using Stacey Abrams’ number so her organization can track calls. That number, again, is 1-888-453-3211. (You can also text the word DEMOCRACY to 33339 to get a reminder to do this every day.)
“Is this really necessary?” you may ask.
The answer is yes. A Commit to Democracy member was on the Sunday call with Fair Fight and reported that Republicans are waging a phone campaign across the country against the For the People Act. We need to provide a counter.
So no matter who your Senator is or how sympathetic—or not—you think they are, just call. Do it like brushing your teeth.
Consider it democracy hygiene.
Let’s not find out what happens if we slack off. 🦷
Call Your Senators (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
First, I support the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, also known as the PRO Act, and want the Senator to push to pass it.
Second, in the infrastructure package, I want the Senator to fight to include $1 trillion for renewable energy, which we need to meet President Biden’s climate goals. We also need $600 billion for public transit and $600 billion to upgrade our public housing and schools with energy efficiency. These investments should have high labor, environmental, and equity standards, and respect Indigenous rights.
[If Dem add:] Democrats have the power to do this and more to advance climate, care, jobs and justice through budget reconciliation. Please tell the Senator I want him/her to use that power to fight for the aggressive climate solutions we need. Thanks. [H/T]
Call Your House Rep (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
First, I support the American Renewable Energy Act of 2021, and want the Congressmember to as well. Every day the climate news gets scarier. Things are accelerating at a terrifying pace. We need to act aggressively now.
Second, I want the Congressmember to support the Women’s Health Protection Act. The attacks on a woman’s right to choose have never been more intense. We need to enshrine access to abortion into law. Thanks.
Extra Credit
We need all of our members of Congress to publicly show their support for prioritizing climate action in the infrastructure deal. Many of them have come out and said “no climate, no deal” – now it’s time to walk the talk and commit to the levels of investment we need. Are you on Twitter? Use this 1-click tool to send a tweet to your representatives in Congress, asking them to publicly support the THRIVE priorities in the infrastructure package. Our representatives need to hear that their constituents are paying attention and urging them to do the right thing.
Get on the Phones! ☎️
In partnership with Activate America (formerly Flip the West), Commit To Democracy is phone banking in Arizona and Pennsylvania to register voters. They are calling through lists of unregistered voters to ask them to register to vote. THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT and very easy!! They will train you!
Phone banks are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sign-Up Here
Resistbot Text (new to Resistbot? Go here!)
[to your DEMOCRATIC Senators] [H/T]
In a major speech at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia yesterday, President Biden took a stand to protect the freedom to vote for all Americans. Now it’s your turn.
Republicans have used Trump’s lies attacking American democracy as the pretense for anti-voter legislation all over the country. Their lies are craven and unconscionable, but they are spreading.
In an Op-ed yesterday David Frum called out the direction Trump’s followers—and Trump himself—is heading. “It’s time,” Frum said, “to start using the F-word.”
Fascism. We are fighting fascism.
In this moment, passing a federal voting rights bill is critically necessary to making sure our American democracy survives. And the GOP won’t lift a finger to help.
Democratic Senators must pass voting rights legislation on their own. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the For the People Act, or another one with similar provisions. I don’t care what it’s called—I just want the protections such a bill would contain. Do it now, before it’s too late. There are no do-overs. We can’t get democracy back once it’s gone. Reform the filibuster and get this done now.
Thanks.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk tomorrow.
Jess