DAYS UNTIL BALLOTS MAILED: 5
DAYS UNTIL BALLOTS DUE: 25
WOMEN’S LIVES MATTER
REAUTHORIZE VAWA
In Trump’s America, women’s rights are always in peril:
- Trump’s history of sexual assaults
- GOP’s treatment of Kavanaugh confirmation, during and after which survivors were disbelieved and ridiculed
- Long-term opposition to VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) by male GOP Judiciary Committee members
VAWA—passed in 1993 and reauthorized three times with bipartisan support—established the DOJ Office on Violence Against Women and provides funding to investigate and prosecute domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault.
With the GREG WALDEN SUPPORTED misogynist Trump regime in power, it’s not surprising that VAWA—enacted in the aftermath of Anita Hill’s abusive hearing, and expiring at September’s end—is not a priority in the House or Senate. Instead, its short-term extension—with some sections deleted—slipped into continuing resolution funding only until December 7.
HR.6545, with 174 Dem co-sponsors (but not one single Republican co-sponsor, including silent, complicit Greg Walden) and the support of all 56 Attorneys General, includes important new provisions that must be included in whatever legislation the Senate finally passes:
- Increases funding for rape prevention and education
- Helps abuse victims remain in public housing
- Expands laws preventing those convicted of dating violence or stalking, or who are under a protective order, from possessing firearms
- Broadens protections for Native American women
One in three women will face physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
Reauthorize VAWA when Congress Reconvenes in November.
**ACTION ONE: CALL OUR SENATORS**
“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent and voter from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling because I am deeply concerned that Congress recessed without reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. Congress’ failure to act, taken together with the Kavanaugh debacle, sends the unfortunate message to the one in three women who will be physically or sexually victimized in their lifetimes that it cares nothing for sexual assault victims. The Senator must demand that the Senate pass legislation that mirrors HR. 6545, with its expanded coverage and increased spending for victim services. Thank you.”
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**
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent and voter from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am deeply concerned that Congress recessed without passing HR.6545, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2018. Reauthorization of VAWA is an important tool in the fight to end violence against the one in three women who will be physically or sexually victimized in their lifetimes. If Congress lets this important legislation lapse on December 7, it will be sending a message that it cares not at all for more than 50% of Americans. I urge Mr. Walden to work for its speedy passage when Congress returns in November. Thank you.”
COMPLICIT GREG WALDEN
DC (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: STAND WITH WOMEN IN OREGON! NO ON MEASURE 106!**
**ACTION FOUR: VOTE BLUE DOWN THE ENTIRE BALLOT**
There are numerous actions we each can take leading up to the 2018 midterm election. Visit the ORD2 Indivisible Website Event Calander to learn of a few: https://ord2indivisible.org/calendar/ New events are added regularly.
Non-ORD2 Indivisible Sponsored Event: Trey Taylor Concert Fundraiser for Jamie McLeod-Skinner – Ashland
TONIGHT: October 12 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/non-ord2-indivisible-sponsored-event-trey-taylor-concert-fundraiser-for-jamie-mcleod-skinner-ashland/
Rogue Valley Pride: Come March in the Parade With ORD2 Indivisible – Ashland
TOMORROW: October 13 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/rogue-valley-pride-come-march-in-the-parade-with-ord2-indivisible-ashland/
Non-ORD2 Indivisible Sponsored Event: Rogue Valley Pride Parade With Grand Marshall Jamie McLeod-Skinner – Ashland
TOMORROW: October 13 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/non-ord2-indivisible-sponsored-event-rogue-valley-pride-parade-with-grand-marshall-jamie-mcleod-skinner-ashland/
Non-ORD2 Indivisible Sponsored Event: Democracy at Risk 3: Making Your Vote Count – Cave Junction
October 14 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/non-ord2-indivisible-sponsored-event-democracy-at-risk-3-making-your-vote-count-cave-junction/
To stop Trump and his disastrous policies, we need a new Congress. And in Oregon Congressional District 2, we need to be represented in the US House!
- Visit Jamie McLeod-Skinner’s website to learn more, keep up to date and to volunteer:
https://jamiefororegon.com/ - Help Get Out The Progressive Vote – Become a Neighborhood Leader! To learn more, visit this site:
http://www.jcdemocrats.org/get-involved/neighborhood-leaders-program/ - Check out Vote Save Americahttps://votesaveamerica.com/
- Learn how to defend vulnerable Democratic Senators, which red seats could be flipped, and donate here.
This election is the most important of our lives.
SOURCES:
In #Metoo era, Congress isn’t prioritizing Violence Against Women programs
VAWA reauthorization: Even if the Democrats lose, they win?
National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Statement on VAWA
Violence Against Women Act at risk of lapsing
Even If Kavanaugh Gets Confirmed, We Must Fight For the Violence Against
Should Oregon taxpayers’ money be used for abortions? Voters decide in November