Federal Action Alert – Nov. 5, 2021

Produced by Legislative Committee of the Coconino County Democratic Party and Democrats of the Red Rocks

THIS WEEK’S ALERTS:   Filibuster Reform after Fourth Filibuster on Voting Rights; Tell O’Halleran to vote yes on Build Back Better without trying to change it at this late date; ALL IN ON SINEMA; Keep eyes on the January 6th investigation

A.   NOW THAT REPUBLICANS HAVE TORPEDOED FOUR VOTING RIGHTS BILLS ITS TIME TO MODIFY THE FILIBUSTER.   BOTH SENATORS

This last week, via filibuster, Senate Republicans blocked even discussion of the John Lewis Voter Protection Act.  Only Republican Lisa Murkowski joined the fifty Democrats in voting for the Act. They need 60 senators to even discuss the Act.  This is the FOURTH time this session that Republicans have refused to even discuss voter protection.  It’s long since past time to modify the filibuster, at least with respect to voting rights – the bedrock of our democracy.  Majority leader Chuck Schumer is meeting with Democrats now to discuss modifying the filibuster.  Let’s push Sinema and Kelly.

SAMPLE VOICE MAIL FOR SENATORS:  

I’m a lifelong Democrat living and voting in XXXXX, Arizona.  This last week was the fourth time that Senate Republicans have refused to even discuss voter protection bills including the John Lewis Voter Protection Act and the Freedom to Vote Act.   Filibustering used to be a rare event.  The Senate is broken down.  It’s time to reform the filibuster and take it back to a “talking filibuster.”  Please don’t stand in the way of restoring the Senate to a functioning body.  

Sen. Sinema:  Call (202) 224-4521 (DC) or (602) 598-7327.  Email via her website at “http://www.sinema.senate.gov”  Tag the Senator at @senatorsinema. 

Sen. Mark Kelly: Call (202) 224-2235 (DC),  Email via his website at http://www.kelly.senate.gov Tag the Senator at @senmarkkelly . 

B.   Build Back Better 

    1.  Rep. Tom O’Halleran on Reconciliation Bill:     According to our friends with Indivisible, conservative House Democrats, like our Rep. Tom O’Halleran, are threatening the Build Back Better reconciliation program by adding demands at this late date.  The time to pass the bill in the House is NOW.  Blocking it by adding additional demands, whether from left or right, is a recipe for losing the 2022 elections. The time to pass it is now, without throwing up any new roadblocks.   

Sample script:  I’m a life-long Democrat living and voting in XXXXX, Arizona.  The time to pass the Reconciliation Bill is NOW, not later.  Adding more and more demands, whether from left or right, weakens the chances of passing the bill and increases the risk of losing the 2022 elections.  While the bill isn’t perfect, it will make an enormous difference to American families, workers, small businesses, and our climate change mitigation efforts. Please don’t add or subtract anything and simply work to pass what House Speaker Pelosi is pushing and to sell it to your colleagues. The time to act and to give your public support is now without throwing up any last-minute roadblocks. 

Rep. O’Halleran: Call (202) 225-3361 or send an email via his website at http://www.ohalleran.house.gov

Twitter:  @RepOHalleran

C.    SENATOR SINEMA

Senator Sinema IS the problem and you know it.  By not increasing taxes on the rich or supporting key elements in the Build Back Better proposals she is actively working against us.  It is indispensable to keep pushing on the Reconciliation Bill.  Notably, she seems to have moderated her position on lowering drug prices by supporting a modest version of the proposal. Let’s try a bit of flattery at this point.  Even though we are ignored we understand her office is counting the calls and positions.  Find three others to help.  

Sample texts or message for Senator Sinema:  “My name is XXXX, and I’m a Democrat living and voting in XXXXX.   While I disagree with many of your positions on the Reconciliation Bill it’s time to recognize that you have won on your efforts to dramatically scale the Bill back, and to not raise tax rates on the super wealthy and corporations.  I am requesting that you simply declare victory and vote for the currently proposed reconciliation package which gives you 95% of what you wanted. Isn’t that the true measure of leadership? And moving the reconciliation package forward will also allow finalization of your Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. Please support your colleagues in breaking the logjam on these bills in the Senate.”

Sen. Sinema:  Call (202) 224-4521 (DC) or (602) 598-7327.  Email via her website at “http://www.sinema.senate.gov”  Tag the Senator at @senatorsinema. 

D. LET REP. O’HALLERAN KNOW YOU ARE PAYING ATTENTION TO JAN 6TH COMMISSION.

The House Select Committee investigating the events leading up to the January 6th attempt to block certification of President Biden’s election is reaching a critical juncture; they’ve subpoenaed key witnesses (like Steve Bannon) and now must hold those individuals accountable for showing up to testify. Meanwhile several in-depth media reports have documented the involvement of Arizona GOP politicians before and during the Jan. 6th demonstrations (including US Representatives Paul Gosar and Andy Biggs, and State Rep. Mark Finchem – who is now running for AZ Secretary of State). Representative O’Halleran is not a member of the Select Committee, but nonetheless it is important that he hear from us about our interest in holding accountable those who contributed to planning and executing the events of Jan. 6th.

Sample text or message for Rep. O’Halleran:  “My name is XXXX, and I am a voter and constituent in northern Arizona. The incursion of violent, armed protesters who attempted to block the certification of the presidential election results back on January 6th was a terrible threat to our democracy. I know you are not a member of the January 6th Commission, but I wanted to let you know that many of us are following the Commission’s investigation with great interest. It is critical to hold people accountable for this attempt to subvert our election and prevent the transition of power. I’m especially dismayed at how many elected officials for Arizona were part of this attempted insurrection. Please encourage your colleagues to make sure those who have been subpoenaed do show up to testify. And please know that we appreciate all you do to protect our right to vote and our democratic form of government.”
Rep. O’Halleran: Call (202) 225-3361. Email via his website at Contact | Congressman Tom O´Halleran (house.gov) .

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