“[I]ncreasing or suspending the debt limit does not increase government spending, nor does it authorize spending for future budget proposals; it simply allows Treasury to pay for previously enacted expenditures. Failure to meet those obligations would cause irreparable harm to the U.S. economy and the livelihoods of all Americans.” Statement from Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, August 9, 2021

This week the House passed the John Lewis voting act this week. It could end the Supreme Court’s 50 year war on minority voting rights. Next, it heads to the Senate buy bills to protect democracy could die by filibuster. This fight is about one thing, does every citizen have the right to vote or should it be a perk for the privileged? Call your MoC!

Why does protecting the right to vote take 60 votes in the Senate, but stacking the Supreme Court takes only 51? It’s the filibuster, of course, which has been weaponized by Mitch McConnell to strengthen the GOP’s minority rule. It’s past time to defang the filibuster so that voting rights and other critical legislation Americans need and want can pass with a simple majority.

Nothing will be done to slow climate change unless we elect people who understand the crisis. But in 30 states across the country, Republicans are rigging the 2022 elections. They have also weaponized the filibuster to block solutions. Maybe Afghanistan has something to teach progressives. Check out this week’s Daily Actions.

“Millions of young people mobilized last election cycle. Our energy and hard work helped elect Democrats to the White House, Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. We got involved to make change and the filibuster is the biggest obstacle to realizing that change. Democracy is unraveling before our eyes and we urge you and the Senate Democratic caucus to eliminate the filibuster to protect our future and advance the bold agenda we are all fighting for.” Letter from 24+ youth organizations to Sen. Schumer, July 29, 2021

Climate change. We have a real shot at making a difference right now. The details of the massive infrastructure (which has broad bipartisan support) are being worked out now. Call your MOC and tell them what you want in the bill. Then call tomorrow.

This week, it became clear that the GOP is close to winning its war on democracy. We must continue to demand our Members of Congress shield democracy from the nationwide campaign to rip away our freedoms. History is made by those who continue to show up. We save democracy by persevering. When we get tired of repeating ourselves is when others begin listening, so we must keep at it.

“If we don’t pass the For the People Act, the GOP is going to gerrymander their way to
a House majority--and they may never give it up.” Robert Reich, Obama’s Secretary of Labor
“Tick tock, folks. Kill the filibuster. Pass the For the People Act. End gerrymandering. And do it now. Or we all know what’s coming.” Ezra Levin, Indivisible founder

NOTE: We are taking applications for writers on the Indivisible Oregon policy team. We’re looking for people who can write one action a week, or once a month. If you are interested, please email bobbieisaacman@gmail.com

This week, it became clear that the GOP is winning its war on democracy. We must continue to demand our Members of Congress shield democracy from the nationwide campaign to rip away our freedoms. History is made by those who continue to show up. We save democracy by persevering. When we get tired of repeating ourselves is when others begin listening, so we must keep at it.