QUICK READ: The 2026 midterms, in which Democrats seized overwhelming control of both chambers of Congress and humiliated Trump’s Republican Party stands as one of the most sweeping repudiations of a sitting American president in modern history. After sharing our joy and hopes with our MoCs, we must exhort them to protect us from MAGA’s further perfidy during the 20+-day lame duck session that precedes the convening of the new Congress on January 3, 2027.
CONTENTS:
BACKGROUND
On Tuesday, we the people went to the polls to thunderously demand a check on Trump’s power and show our support for leaders who will look out for our interests rather than those of a corrupt ruling elite. After all votes are counted, Democrats will likely have a 55- or even 56-seat majority in the Senate (protecting it even if Fetterman defects to the GOP) and a 258-seat majority in the House (40 more than needed to govern).
While savoring this resounding victory with our family, friends, and even our elected representatives is important, we cannot ignore until January the demand that our government work for us. Instead, these principles must guide how current MoCs deal this lame duck session:
Oppose extending the continuing resolution beyond December to give the new Congress, with its greater negotiating power, a chance to set the priorities;
Oppose all funding for Trump’s wars in Iran and elsewhere;
Oppose so-called “permitting reform,” which many see as giving Trump unfettered control over public lands, a rewriting of the laws protecting our land and water, and a giveaway to the extraction industry;
Oppose crypto legislation that benefits Trump and the wealthy, the farm bill that harms consumers and small farmers, and the bloated budget;
Make it as difficult as possible a 3rd reconciliation bill stuffed with Trump’s priorities needing only GOP support to pass;
Make it as difficult as possible to confirm Trump judges and executive officers;
Push the House’s consideration of the Epstein bill and Hegseth’s impeachment.
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].
This blue tsunami's composed of voters who found the GOP unfit to govern because they abused the rule of law and ignored our Constitution and their constituents’ wishes. While I, as your constituent, am glad you still represent me, the blue tsunami demonstrates that it’s up to you to demonstrate your commitment to these priorities and that we’ll willingly replace you if you fail to do so. With that in mind, I demand you use your power to minimize the harm Trump’s repudiated GOP can do to our needs during the lame duck session and beyond.
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].
This blue tsunami’s composed of voters who found the GOP unfit to govern because they abused the rule of law and ignored our Constitution and their constituents’ wishes. While I, as your constituent, am glad you still represent me, the blue tsunami demonstrates that it’s up to you to demonstrate your commitment to these priorities and that we’ll willingly replace you if you fail to do so. With that in mind, I demand you use your power to minimize the harm Trump’s repudiated GOP can do to our needs during the lame duck session and beyond.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
This blue tsunami’s composed of voters who found your GOP unfit to govern because they abused the rule of law and ignored our Constitution and their constituents’ wishes. The blue tsunami demonstrates that, if you cannot or won’t demonstrate your commitment to these priorities, we’ll willingly replace you. With that in mind, I demand you use your power to minimize the harm your party can do to our needs during the lame duck session and beyond.
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].
This blue tsunami’s composed of voters who found the GOP unfit to govern because they abused the rule of law and ignored our Constitution and their constituents’ wishes. While I, as your constituent, am glad you still represent me, the blue tsunami demonstrates that it’s up to you to demonstrate your commitment to these priorities and that we’ll willingly replace you if you fail to do so. With that in mind, I demand you use your power to minimize the harm Trump’s repudiated GOP can do to our needs during the lame duck session and beyond.
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].
This blue tsunami’s composed of voters who found your GOP unfit to govern because they abused the rule of law and ignored our Constitution and their constituents’ wishes. The blue tsunami demonstrates that, if you cannot or won’t demonstrate your commitment to these priorities, we’ll willingly replace you. With that in mind, I demand you use your power to minimize the harm your party can do to our needs during the lame duck session and beyond.
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].
This blue tsunami’s composed of voters who found the GOP unfit to govern because they abused the rule of law and ignored our Constitution and their constituents’ wishes. While I, as your constituent, am glad you still represent me, the blue tsunami demonstrates that it’s up to you to demonstrate your commitment to these priorities and that we’ll willingly replace you if you fail to do so. With that in mind, I demand you use your power to minimize the harm Trump’s repudiated GOP can do to our needs during the lame duck session and beyond.
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].
This blue tsunami’s composed of voters who found the GOP unfit to govern because they abused the rule of law and ignored our Constitution and their constituents’ wishes. While I, as your constituent, am glad you still represent me, the blue tsunami demonstrates that it’s up to you to demonstrate your commitment to these priorities and that we’ll willingly replace you if you fail to do so. With that in mind, I demand you use your power to minimize the harm Trump’s repudiated GOP can do to our needs during the lame duck session and beyond.
Script for Janelle Bynum (OR-05)
Oregon City office: 503-387-8651 |DC office: 202-225-5711
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
This blue tsunami’s composed of voters who found the GOP unfit to govern because they abused the rule of law and ignored our Constitution and their constituents’ wishes. While I, as your constituent, am glad you still represent me, the blue tsunami demonstrates that it’s up to you to demonstrate your commitment to these priorities and that we’ll willingly replace you if you fail to do so. With that in mind, I demand you use your power to minimize the harm Trump’s repudiated GOP can do to our needs during the lame duck session and beyond.
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].
This blue tsunami’s composed of voters who found the GOP unfit to govern because they abused the rule of law and ignored our Constitution and their constituents’ wishes. While I, as your constituent, am glad you still represent me, the blue tsunami demonstrates that it’s up to you to demonstrate your commitment to these priorities and that we’ll willingly replace you if you fail to do so. With that in mind, I demand you use your power to minimize the harm Trump’s repudiated GOP can do to our needs during the lame duck session and beyond.
FURTHER READING
There’s No Modern Precedent for This Democratic Tsunami
Prepare Yourself For A Lame-Duck Session From Hell
Angry Voters Usher in Beginning of the End to the Trump Era
Republicans’ last chance to cement their legacy in Trump’s Washington
Republicans set their sights on one last reconciliation bill before Democrats take over
Trump Has Been Thumped. That Doesn’t Make Him Any Less Dangerous
