HOUSE MUST USE APPROPRIATIONS POWER TO PROTECT PROGRAMS AMERICANS NEED
Congress is in the final stages of the appropriations process—determining funding that federal agencies will receive next year—but before October it must also:
- raise the debt ceiling so the government can pay its bills
- increase two-year spending caps to avoid automatic sequestration which would slash defense, non-defense and safety net spending by $125 billion
- fund the government to avoid a shutdown
Elected Democratic Representatives, controlling appropriations for the first time in 8 years, seek parity between defense and non-defense (including safety net) spending—with increased funding levels of $17 billion and $34 billion respectively. These officials have more power if the debt ceiling and spending caps increases are passed together—but Trump and his base oppose this.
We reached the debt ceiling in March, but through “extraordinary measures” have not yet defaulted. Lower-than-expected tax revenues—due to Trump’s $1.5 billion tax scam—stokes the fear of running out of money before the August recess is over. While this might be a ploy to get Democratic Representatives to not increase the debt ceiling and later force a continuing resolution with the same budget caps, Pelosi’s so far holding firm.
We can’t repeat what happened with emergency DHS funding.
Our MoCs must pressure leadership and colleagues to stand strong and protect non-defense and safety net spending.
**ACTION ONE: CALL OUR SENATORS**
SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR SENATORS WYDEN AND MERKLEY:
“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [town/city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling because . . .
Trump is trying to force a vote on raising the debt ceiling, putting off budget talks until after the August recess. It is imperative that Congress simultaneously:
- raise the debt ceiling
- increase budget caps to avoid the indiscriminate slashing of $125 billion from discretionary spending
The Senator must do everything in his power to protect non-defense spending parity and must keep calling for an immediate impeachment inquiry.
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/
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/
**ACTION TWO: CALL COMPLICIT GREG WALDEN**
SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR WALDEN:
“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [town/city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling because. . .
Trump is trying to force a vote on raising the debt ceiling, putting off budget talks until after the August recess. It is imperative that Congress:
- simultaneously raise the debt ceiling and
- increase budget caps to avoid the indiscriminate slashing of $125 billion from discretionary spending and to create parity between defense and non-defense spending.
Greg Walden must keep pushing House leadership to remain committed to this strategy and must join the 85 Reps calling for an immediate impeachment inquiry.
Thank you.”
COMPLICIT GREG WALDENDC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400
https://walden.house.gov/contact-greg/email-me
**ACTION THREE: BE AN ACTIVIST**
Visit the ORD2 Indivisible Event Calendar on a regular basis to keep updated on our local activities. Participate with us as often as you can.
Letters to the Editor Writing Session – Medford
July 19 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/letters-to-the-editor-writing-session-medford/
SUBMIT EVENTS TO BE ADDED TO THE ORD2 INDIVISIBLE EVENT CALENDAR
ORD2 Indivisible 2020 Fundraising Campaign
As we approach what will be the most important election of our lifetimes, ORD2 Indivisible wants to be in a secure financial position to help engage as many voters in our district in the election process as possible. To accomplish this goal we are conducting the ORD2 Indivisible 2020 fundraising campaign.
The next 20 people who donate $20 (or more) will receive a prize!
Please make an online donation by clicking on the 2020 image below:
To make a donation by check, please make the check payable to ORD2 Indivisible and mail to:
ORD2 Indivisible
P.O. Box 1242, Phoenix, OR 97535
SOURCES:
GOP balks at White House push for standalone vote on debt ceiling
White House pushes Congress to strike deal as Treasury could run out of cash faster
Congress Remains at a Stalemate on Shutdown—Avoiding Deal, As Debt Ceiling Deadline Looms
Fed chairman warns of ‘unthinkable’ harm if debt ceiling isn’t raised
House Appropriation Actions Set Stage for Battle Over 2020 Funding Levels and Priorities