Before we get to prep for congressional recess in this email, we have to talk about Syria. The use of chemical weapons in Syria is an atrocity that the world cannot ignore, and those responsible must be brought to justice. However, no Commander in Chief should take lightly a decision to deploy the US military overseas—and if the President commits to a long-term military action, they’re legally required to seek congressional authorization.
Whenever military action is taken, by any President, it is critical that Congress hold the President fully accountable. And that’s even more true when the President is a thin-skinned egomaniac. Trump cannot be allowed to fire off missiles the way that he fires off tweets. He cannot be allowed to bar Syrian child refugees from our shores and then claim he’s taking military action to protect them. And he absolutely cannot be allowed to drag us into another Middle East war. It’s Congress’ job to stop this from happening. Call your Member of Congress and demand that they return to session to exercise oversight over Trump’s warmongering.
We also encourage you to think about ways to help the people of Syria. Organizations like the White Helmets, Doctors Without Borders, and the International Rescue Committee are just a few of the many organizations helping on the ground and assisting refugees. Stand with them as an ally. And make your voice heard: there’s never been a more important time to call on your MoCs to support Syrian refugees. During this April recess, ask them what they’re doing to make sure America truly supports Syrian refugees by allowing them to come to the United States.
Congressional District Work Period—AKA Recess—Is Here!
Despite calls for Congress to reconvene and do their constitutional duty of exercising oversight over Trump’s actions in Syria, Republican leaders are allowing recess to move forward as scheduled. That means we’ve all got work to do to keep holding MoCs accountable. During the February recess, you showed the nation what it means to stand indivisible. In doing so, you changed the narrative (and won!) against TrumpCare, saving coverage for 24 million people.
We know you’re going to keep the momentum going this time—from letting senators know what you think of their choice to “go nuclear” to confirm Trump’s extreme SCOTUS pick, to turning up the volume on demanding Trump’s tax returns. To kick off these two weeks with everything you need to reclaim recess, we’ve got a bunch of brand new resources—and we’re sharing them on our brand new website. Read on for all the details about what you can do to stand indivisible this recess.
Here’s what’s new this week on recess materials
We’re thrilled that our friend Robert Reich joined us for a series of videos on Indivisible Town Hall Tips—in this newest video, he’ll go over the top five issues we suggest discussing with your MoC during town hall events this recess.
Want more policy details? We’ve created a backgrounder on each of the five policy priorities, including suggested questions on each topic to ask at your local town hall. Want to skip straight to the questions? Check out the whole list here!
Ready to take on Donald Trump’s tax return secrecy? We know that many of you will be marching with our friends at Tax March on April 15 to demand Trump’s tax returns, and we’re proud that Indivisible is a part of this effort. Remember to also call your MoCs to demand Trump’s returns: check out our video on what to ask when you call.
What if your MoC is trying to keep you from asking the tough questions by setting up a Sham Town Hall? Robert Reich is here for you again: check out these tips on how to call out MoCs’ tactics for suppressing your involvement in their public events and town halls.
Just want all of your recess materials in one place? All of the resources you need to hold your MoCs accountable this recess, including planning guides, policy explainers, and videos are available in the Recess Toolkit.
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers: join us Thursday for another Facebook Live Q&A
Last week, we held our first Facebook Live event to take your questions on recess, and we’ve decided to do it again this week! Join us at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 13. You can submit questions about recess, Congress, and the Tax March in advance to questions@indivisibleguide.com. Be sure to sign up:
Not on Facebook? No problem! On Thursday, we’ll be sending a streaming link to everyone who RSVPs, just in case you would rather watch the stream on our site. That link will also contain dial-in information for attendees who want to listen in via phone.
Miss last week’s event? You can catch up here and watch @ezralevin and @AngelRafPadilla answer more recess questions.
Last but not least: check out Indivisible’s brand new website
If you like these resources, consider chipping in a few bucks
Look at everything we’ve produced! The new website, videos, recess toolkits, scripts, and more—how great is this stuff? We honestly love producing it. We love being part of this movement and supporting the leadership of folks on the ground. Empowering you to kick recess’ butt is what we’re all about.
But this stuff takes a lot of time and energy, and yes—moolah. As of the writing of this sentence, we’ve had 17,803 online donations from every state in the country, averaging less than $50. This is coming from people like you—people from all over who believe in and contribute to the Indivisible movement. This support is how we helped you defeat TrumpCare, and it’s how we’ll continue the fight to defend American democracy from this unstable president.
And, look, money is great and all—but it’s not everything. We’re always grateful for donations, but fundamentally it’s the time, talent, and energy you’ve invested that’s made the Indivisible movement real. This recess, there’s a lot of work to do, but we’re confident we can get it done. Keep standing indivisible, and we will win.
In solidarity,
The Indivisible Team
Need one last bit of recess inspiration? Check out Cincinnati Indivisible’s terrific ad asking Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) to hold a town hall!
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