Call to Action: March 18, 2018
SUPPORT WOMEN AND MODERNIZE SENATE RULES
#BreastFeeding
#EqualRights
#WomensRights
Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) has an exemplary record. She:
—is an Iraq war veteran and among the first Army women to fly combat missions
—is former Assistant Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs
—served on the House Armed Services Committee passing bills to reduce veteran suicide
But as the first sitting senator to give birth, Duckworth won’t be able to care for or breastfeed her child on the Senate floor due to arcane rules prohibiting family members from the Senate floor combined with needing to be physically present for votes.
These rules put parents in a no-win situation. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) had a newborn as she entered the Senate. To attend votes, she was forced to leave her newborn and older son unattended (for 30 seconds), or to hold her son’s hand at a door of the Senate, leaning her head in to vote.
All the Senate Parliamentarian could offer is breastfeeding in the bathroom.
No mother should have to choose between her job and caring for/feeding her child. Our Oregon Senators are strong supporters of women’s rights.
Ask Senators Merkley and Wyden to call for a . . .
Change in Senate Rules to set an example for the county.
Stop the War on Women!
**ACTION: CALL OUR SENATORS**
SAMPLE SCRIPT
“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent and voter from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling to ask the Senator to support modernizing Senate rules to help new parents, especially new mothers like Senator Duckworth. No mother should be forced to choose between her job and care for or feeding her child. The Senator is a strong supporter of women’s rights and I hope I can count on him to work to modernize Senate rules before Senator Duckworth gives birth. Thank you.”
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/