DEMOCRATS NEED FIGHTERS, NOT FOLDERS, TO PROTECT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FROM CRUEL GOP BULLIES
QUICK READ: The American people deserve leaders who can deliver results and are willing to stand up to Trump’s bullying, not leaders, like Schumer and Durbin who, because they fold instead, must be replaced. Democrats must stop rewarding bad-faith tactics with political victories, since every time we give in, it teaches them that cruelty works. Please hold firm—protecting healthcare, defending workers, and refusing to reopen the government on a foundation of lies.
CONTENTS:
BACKGROUND
Less than a week after voters loudly repudiated Trump, the Sellout Caucus—Cortez Mastro and Rosen (NV); Durbin (IL), the Democratic Whip; Fetterman (PA); Hassan and Shaheen (NH); Kaine (VA); and King (ME)–broke ranks, with Schumer’s tacit approval, to negotiate a short-term shutdown deal with Republicans, giving Trump almost everything he wants, entrenching the GOP’s austerity budget, and deepening the affordability crisis.
How did Democrats win the election but end up giving away the store?
Republicans caused this shutdown by holding the country hostage with unprecedented acts of cruelty— cutting off paychecks, freezing food benefits, halting air travel, and inflicting needless suffering — all to force Democrats to reopen the government on their terms.
After forty days of chaos and hardship, for which Republicans blamed, the so-called “deal” reopening the government until January 30 still guts SNAP, veterans’ programs, and the ACA subsidies keeping tens of millions insured. When they expire, average premiums will jump 114% — pushing millions off coverage entirely, increasing hunger, and causing unnecessary deaths.
And what did Democrats get in return?
A “certain-to-fail” vote to extend ACA subsidies;
An unenforceable “guarantee” of back pay through January 30 that’s already required by law but Trump might violate;
Much lower SNAP benefits through September 2026;
Three appropriations bills the Senate ‘s required to pass.
Their surrender also tells Trump and his lackeys bullying pays—making them even less likely to negotiate when this CR expires on January 30.
What the Democratic Party needs going forward are leaders who fight rather than fold. Schumer and Durbin, having proven themselves incapable, must immediately be replaced.
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].
I know you are as furious and I am about the Sellout Caucus joining the GOP in throwing us under the bus, you understand that capitulating to bullies only makes them stronger, and you will continue voting “no” going forward. Those of us who’ve been protesting this administration’s illegal and unconstitutional actions are also demanding replacement of the Democratic Leadership Team that allowed this betrayal of the American people —Schumer for permitting it and Durbin, the second-in-command, for being one of the defectors. We cannot have confidence in the Democratic Party until you and your colleagues replace them with leaders who’ll stand up to these bullies and fight for us, not fold.
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].
I know you are as furious and I am about the Sellout Caucus joining the GOP in throwing us under the bus, you understand that capitulating to bullies only makes them stronger, and you will continue voting “no” going forward. Those of us who’ve been protesting this administration’s illegal and unconstitutional actions are also demanding replacement of the Democratic Leadership Team that allowed this betrayal of the American people —Schumer for permitting it and Durbin, the second-in-command, for being one of the defectors. We cannot have confidence in the Democratic Party until you and your colleagues replace them with leaders who’ll stand up to these bullies and fight for us, not fold.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
While I am furious at the spineless Democrats who betrayed the American people by voting for this cruel CR, I will never forget that you and your party were willing to let 42 million people starve just so you could take away our healthcare. Since you’ve betrayed your constituents, you must be voted out.
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].
I am furious that the Senate is about to pass a CR that neither extends the ACA tax credits nor requires the Trump administration to abide by the Constitution. That Congress has thrown us under the bus is inexcusable. When the CR comes back to the House, I expect you to vote no.
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].
While I am furious at the spineless Democrats who betrayed the American people by voting for this cruel CR, I will never forget that you and your party were willing to let 42 million people starve just so you could take away our healthcare. Since you’ve betrayed your constituents, you must be voted out.
Script for Maxine Dexter (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].
I am furious that the Senate is about to pass a CR that neither extends the ACA tax credits nor requires the Trump administration to abide by the Constitution. That Congress has thrown us under the bus is inexcusable. When the CR comes back to the House, I expect you to vote no.
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].
I am furious that the Senate is about to pass a CR that neither extends the ACA tax credits nor requires the Trump administration to abide by the Constitution. That Congress has thrown us under the bus is inexcusable. When the CR comes back to the House, I expect you to vote no.
Script for Janelle Bynum (OR-05)
DC office: 202-225-5711
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
I am furious that the Senate is about to pass a CR that neither extends the ACA tax credits nor requires the Trump administration to abide by the Constitution. That Congress has thrown us under the bus is inexcusable. When the CR comes back to the House, I expect you to vote no.
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].
I am furious that the Senate is about to pass a CR that neither extends the ACA tax credits nor requires the Trump administration to abide by the Constitution. That Congress has thrown us under the bus is inexcusable. When the CR comes back to the House, I expect you to vote no.
FURTHER READING
8 Senate Dems Fold on Trump Shutdown
Breaking: Democrats Surrender. Again
Democrats Were Winning the Shutdown. Why Did They Fold?
What’s in the Government Funding Bill the Senate is Moving, What Isn’t, and What to Watch Next
What’s in the CR Deal for Congress
Health Insurance Premium Spikes Imminent as Tax Credit Enhancements Set to Expire
