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Call to Action: May 31, 2018

TRUMP’S ME-FIRST ON TRADE AND TAXES

Trump’s latest corrupt, me-first international trade decision was so blatant that even Republicans protested. Last week Trump lifted penalties on ZTE, a Chinese electronics company and repeat violator of US sanctions — “as a favor to President Xi Jinping” — after Beijing loaned $500 million to a project benefitting the Trump Organization.

Trump just announced unspecified ZTE measures are back on — but don’t count on it.  Coincidentally, China awarded 13 trademarks to Ivanka’s business, with reportedly more to come.

Meanwhile, Republicans’ business-first tax code is running up the red ink.

  • Revenue will drop $1.2 trillion below promises over ten years, as companies enrich shareholders, stiff employees, and outsource jobs.
  • 60 percent of tax windfalls have gone to shareholders, while 15 percent have gone to employees.
  • Twelve iconic American corporations have fired thousands; some have closed plants after pocketing huge tax breaks.
  • Some large corporations are bluntly telling workers not to expect annual pay raises anymore.

Trump has sold out America to enrich himself. Republicans – including Greg Walden – have sold out to keep their donors happy. Congress needs to investigate Trump’s corrupt business dealings, protect domestic programs, and stop tax breaks for businesses.

The corruption and betrayal must stop!

**ACTION ONE: CALL SENATORS MERKLEY AND WYDEN**

Sample script:
(Leave a message if you can’t get through)

“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling today because I am outraged by Trump’s blatantly corrupt business dealings with China, particularly his intention to loosen sanctions on ZTE. I am also angry that the terrible new tax code is already failing, and worried that domestic spending will be even more threatened by cuts in funding.  I ask the Senator to: 1) vote for a bill to stop any move to weaken ZTE sanctions, 2) push for investigations into Trump’s violations of the emoluments clause, 3) call for hearings on the revenue shortfall under the new tax code, and 4) protect domestic programs in FY 2019. Thank you.”

SENATOR JEFF 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 RON 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/

**ACTION TWO: CALL SELL-OUT GREG WALDEN**

Sample script:
(Leave a message if you can’t get through)

“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling today because I am outraged by Trump’s blatantly corrupt business dealings with China, particularly his intention to loosen sanctions on ZTE. I am also angry that the terrible new tax code is already failing, and worried that domestic spending will be even more threatened by cuts in funding.  I ask Greg Walden to: 1) vote for a bill to stop any move to weaken ZTE sanctions, 2) push for investigations into Trump’s violations of the emoluments clause, 3) call for hearings on the revenue shortfall under the new tax code, and 4) protect domestic programs in FY 2019. Thank you.”

**ACTION THREE: REMEMBER FOR THE MIDTERMS**

We need a different Congress to stop corruption by the President, to amend the terrible new tax code and to protect domestic programs.

  • Make sure you and everyone you know throughout the country is registered to vote.
  • Ask every candidate for every office about how they will work to make sure public schools are fully funded and what they will do to protect domestic programs in FY 2019.

The 2018 elections will be the most important of our lives. Our future depends on it.

SOURCES: