TO MAKE THE SENATE WORK, WE MUST DUMP BOTH THE GOP AND THE FILIBUSTER
Jump to today’s actions:
Background
McConnell’s rules work for GOP and its donors but not for American people. He’s pushed through massive tax cuts for the rich and ultra-conservative judges, which require only majority votes, while COVID relief and help for American people requires filibuster-proof, 60-vote majority to reach Senate floor—although only majority needed for passage.
Electing Biden, flipping the Senate, and holding the House gives us chance to enact major structural democracy and economic reforms to ensure government works for all Americans. But they won’t become law unless Senate first removes from McConnell’s arsenal last remnants of the inherently undemocratic filibuster that allows minority in power to thwart will of majority.
Constitution’s framers required Senate supermajority vote for overriding presidential vetoes, impeachment, treaties, constitutional amendments—but not to legislate. For almost 200 years, in practice, Senate was governed by simple majority rule. Until McConnell weaponized filibuster to block Obama’s agenda, it was used mostly against civil rights legislation. Removing it through a simple rule change will reestablish Senate’s proper function—legislating.
We need to educate ourselves on filibuster’s evils to build momentum for change, work to get out the vote, and join Senator Merkley’s crusade to return the Senate to a functioning institution.
1. Call the Senate.
Script Oregon Senators
Script for Republican Senators
2. Call the House.
Script for Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)
Script for Greg Walden (OR-02)
Script for Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)
Script for Peter DeFazio (OR-04)
Script for Kurt Schrader (OR-05)
3. Save Our Democracy.
Only 11 days before November 3! Get involved with Indivisible Oregon:
Elections Power Hour weekly strategy call Mondays at 5pm
Lots of phonebanks and trainings to Arizona and Georgia (our adopted states) led by Indivisible Oregon or recommended by us
Call eligible voters of color with Reclaim Our Vote. Sundays 3-5pm
Already received training and ready to make calls on your own? Want some community and camaraderie? Find a phonebank lounge on the IO events page!
Sources:
The definitive case for ending the filibuster (This great source and should be read by all)
The Impact of the Filibuster on Federal Policymaking (another good source)
How to Talk to Skeptical Senators About Ending the Filibuster (another good source)
Ending the filibuster is about to be more important than ever
Democratic insiders set up a ‘war room’ to quickly kill the filibuster
Filibuster reform gains steam with Democrats
Can We Just Get Rid of the Filibuster Already?
Will Joe Biden Get Rid of the Senate Filibuster?
Obama’s Call to Abolish Filibuster Puts Further Spotlight on the Tactic
