House! Resist!

Action 39

Hello Friends,

Despite an incredible fight from Democrats (some pulling two all-nighters), the Senate passed the Big Ugly Bill yesterday, with J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The bill is now headed back to the House.

WHAT’S going on and WHY it’s important:

All Democrats, plus Republican Senators Rand Paul (KY), Thom Tillis (NC), and Susan Collins (ME) voted NO. The bill now moves back to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson is hoping to pass the massively destructive legislation in time for the Fourth of July holiday. If the House can’t muster enough yeses for the Senate’s revised bill, the legislation will go to conference committee to resolve differences between the two versions.

WHAT we can do:

There are two actions we can take TODAY:

1. Call your House Reps asap (script below). Find phone numbers for your representatives here. Vermonters, call Representative Becca Balint at 802-652-2450.

2. Join a phone bank on Wednesday evening, 6-7:30 pm EDT

SCRIPTS (thanks to 5 Calls and Chop Wood, Carry Water):

If Democrat:

Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [TOWN/CITY].

I’m calling to thank [REPRESENTATIVE] for opposing H.R. 1. And I want to urge [REPRESENTATIVE] to stall this vote as much as they possibly can, and to be just as ruthless as the GOP was during this process. I expect them to do everything in their power to slow the process down, throw sand in the gears, and stop this bill from passing. Thank you for working to protect Americans.

[IF LEAVING VOICEMAIL: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.]

If Republican:

Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [TOWN/CITY].

I’m calling to urge [REPRESENTATIVE] to oppose H.R. 1, the budget reconciliation bill, and its harmful cuts to vital government programs. Specifically, I’m very concerned about… [PICK 1-3 BUDGET PROVISIONS]

-the massive increase to the federal deficit

-the devastating cuts to Medicaid

-the restrictions on Medicare eligibility and increased cost burden for Medicare-Medicaid dual enrollees

-the funding increase for ICE and Trump’s mass deportation operation

-the widespread roll back of clean energy tax incentives and climate protections

-the unprecedented funding cuts to SNAP

-the funding cuts to Planned Parenthood clinical care

-the increased tax on college endowments

-the changes to student loan access and repayment options

-the defunding of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

-the elimination of gun silencer taxes

Congress should pass a fair and responsible budget that helps working families and communities, not one that slashes our benefits to fund tax cuts for the wealthy. I know the Congressmember is afraid to stand up to Trump but s/he will be regarded as a hero for doing so. Please ask him/her to protect American lives and vote no.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[IF LEAVING VOICEMAIL: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.]

Photo Credit: Cole Miller

Final Note:

“A 'no' uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a 'yes' uttered merely to please—or worse; to avoid trouble.”

~ Mahatma Gandhi

Braver Together,

Liza and Lorni ♡