Call to Action: November 13, 2017

Only 14 working days in the House — 15 in the Senate — until midnight Dec. 8, when the federal government shuts down without new appropriations. Normally, we would lobby for a clean appropriations bill. Not this time.

This appropriation bill gives Democrats a chance to fight for those who need our help. This time we want an appropriations bill that, at minimum:
• protects the Dreamers
• funds the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Community Health Centers
• guarantees Cost Sharing Reduction (CSR) health insurance subsidies that make plans affordable for ordinary people—and were stopped by Trump last month.
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/10/12/16070724/trump-cost-sharing-reductions-pulled

We are at this impasse because Republicans have been unable to govern—refusing support from Democrats and unwilling to ask for it. Now Republicans can’t pass any appropriations bill without 60 votes in the Senate. Democrats have a choice: negotiate inclusions that protect demonized immigrants, children and ordinary people in return for their essential votes …. or let this opportunity pass.

Democrats represent 53 percent of the American people. Tell our Senators to be tough negotiators, even if it means a government shutdown. 

STAND UP!

For ordinary people, demonized immigrants

and vulnerable children!

**ACTION 1: CALL OUR SENATORS**

SAMPLE SCRIPT:
“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon, [zip code]. The deadline for funding the government is fast approaching. Even if it means a government shutdown, you have my full support to hold out for an appropriations bill that 1) protects the Dreamers, 2) funds CHIP and Community Health Centers; 3) guarantees CSR payments. Please stand up for America and protect her citizens. Thank you”

** ACTION 2: SHARE THIS ACTION ALERT ON SOCIAL MEDIA**

And encourage others by commenting on our Facebook page.

SENATOR MERKLEY 
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/contact/

SENATOR WYDEN 
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/contact/