Actions of the Month for January 2020 

Demand a Fair and Impartial Impeachment Trial

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is doing all he can to prevent a fair and complete impeachment trial. McConnell is actively coordinating with White House attorneys on a response to the impeachment trial. This unprecedented coordination between the executive and legislative branches of government flagrantly ignores the constitutional checks and balances designed to limit presidential abuse of power. Furthermore, McConnell is suppressing testimony from key witnesses to Trump’s potentially impeachable conduct.

Call our Senators to thank them for doing what is right.

Call Senator Elizabeth Warren (413) 788-2690 or (202) 224-4543; Call Senator Ed Markey (413) 785-4610 (202) 224-2742

Script: Hello, my name is _________ . I’m calling from [ZIP] to thank Senator ______ for advocating for a thorough impeachment process, including calling witnesses. Your continued defense of the Constitution has my full support.

Call these Republican Senators who are up for re-election* this fall…

Cory Gardner (R-Colorado) (202) 224-5941; Ben Sasse (R-Nebraska) (202) 224-4224; Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) (202) 224-3004; Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) (202) 224-6342; Susan Collins (R-Maine) (202) 224-2523; David Perdue (R-GA) (202) 224-3521; Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee) (202) 224-4944; Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) (202) 224-6665 (* not up for re-election but persuadable)

Script: Hello, I am calling to urge you to live up to the oath you took to defend the Constitution by advocating for full, fair, and impartial impeachment process. This includes voting to allow the calling of witnesses. My name is ________ and I’m calling from [ZIP]. Thank you.

Send Urgently Needed Relief to Puerto Rico

Call Senate Appropriations Committee Chair and Vice Chair - (802) 863-2525 or (802) 229-0569; Senators Richard Shelby and Patrick Leahy

Call Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Development - (216) 522-7272 or (513) 684-1021; Senators Mike Crapo and Sherrod Brown

Call House Committee on Appropriations - (914) 428-1707 or (845) 639-3485; Nita M. Lowey and Kay Granger

Call House Committee on Financial Services - (323) 757-8900 or (202) 225-2201; Maxine Waters and Patrick McHenry

Suggested Script:

Hello. My name is ___. My address (including zip code) is ___. My phone number is ___. I’m calling to get a message to (Shelby, Leahy, Crapo, Brown, Lowey, Granger, Waters, McHenry – see above) in their capacity as Chairperson and Ranking Member of (their respective committee – see above). I am concerned about the crisis in Puerto Rico following the recent earthquake, and I want the senators to do three important things to help that situation:

1. Urge the President to immediately approve the “major” disaster declaration requested by Puerto Rico, and

2. Use your congressional power to ensure that FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) and HUD (the Department of Housing and Urban Development) follow the law and respond to the growing humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico, by releasing the $18 Billion dollars of disaster funding that Congress has already approved for relief aid to Puerto Rico, and

3. Direct FEMA to fully extend federal resources using the most expansive reading of the disaster declaration the President approved on January 7th, and any future major disaster declaration.

Tell Congress “No War Against Iran Act”

Call Senate Foreign Relations Committee - 973-645-3030 or 856-757-5353; Senators James Risch and Bob Menendez

Call Senate Armed Services Committee - 401-943-3100 or 401-528-5200; Senators James Inhofe and Jack Reed

Call House Armed Services Committee – 425-793-5180 or 202-225-4151; Representatives Adam Smith and Mac Thornberry

House Foreign Affairs Committee – 914-699-4100 or 718-796-9700; Representatives Elliot Engel and Michael McCaul

Suggested Script:

Hello. My name is ___. My address (including zip code) is ___. My phone number is ___. I’m calling to get a message to (Risch,Menendez, Inhofe, Reed, Smith, Thornberry, Engel, McCaul)in their capacity as Chairperson and Ranking Member of the (respective committee – see above). I am concerned about the crisis with Iran, and I want the senators to do three important things to help that situation:

1. Introduce and help pass a senate bill that is similar to the House “No War Against Iran Act” to block the president from using any funds for unauthorized military force against Iran.

2. Conduct an immediate investigation to determine if the president had a legal basis to order the assassination of the Iranian General.

3. Immediately use the Congressional powers of the Senate to stop the growing conflict and possible war with Iran. Thank you.

Stop Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy (SHIELD) Act S-2669

The SHEILD Act creates a duty on US candidates to report illicit offers of campaign assistance from foreign governments and their agents. The act helps prevent foreign interference in our future elections by improving the transparency of online political advertisements.

The SHIELD Act would require political campaigns, parties and political committees to report attempts by foreign governments, political parties and their agents to influence elections. The reports would go to authorities at the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The SHEILD Act would also help prevent foreign interference in future elections by ensuring that political ads sold online are covered by the same rules as ads sold on TV, radio and satellite.

The legislation would close loopholes that allow foreign nationals and foreign governments to spend in U.S. elections by prohibiting them from participating in decision-making about campaign contributions or expenditures. The SHIELD Act bans the offering of non-public campaign material to foreign governments and those linked with foreign governments and their agents as an illegal solicitation of support.

Finally, the bill prohibits anyone from providing false information about voting rules and qualifications for voting, provides mechanisms for disseminating correct information, and establishes strong penalties for voter intimidation.

Call Senate Committee on Rules and Administration - (507) 288-5321 or (218) 287-2219

Suggested Script: Hello. My name [is __]. My address [including ZIP is __]. My phone number [is ___]. I’m calling to get a message to both Senators Roy Blunt and Amy Klobuchar in their capacity as Chairperson and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. I want “both” of the Senators to take immediate steps to move the Stop Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy (SHIELD) Act S-2669 out of committee and to get this important bill to the Senate floor for further action. Our 2020 Election Day is less than one year away, and we desperately need the critical safeguards outlined in this legislation. Thank you.

Demand due process for aspiring Americans

Under a Trump Administration policy called the Migrant Protection Protocols, asylum seekers are forced to wait in dangerous border towns for court proceedings that can drag on for months. According to an analysis by Human Rights First, there have already been three hundred and forty-three reported cases involving the rape, kidnapping, and violent assault of asylum seekers in the M.P.P. program. -- 10/1/19 NewYorker.com

Call Senator Elizabeth Warren (413) 788-2690 or (202) 224-4543

Call Senator Ed Markey (413) 785-4610 (202) 224-2742

Call Senator Gary Peters (ranking member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs) (202) 224-6221

Script: Hello, I’m calling from [ZIP] to express my opposition to the unconstitutional Migration Protection Protocols (MPP), also known as the Remain in Mexico (RIM) policy because it forces vulnerable individuals and families seeking sanctuary in the U.S. to wait for months in notoriously dangerous parts of Mexico for their cases to move forward. In violation of U.S. laws and treaties, trials are being held via video conferencing in makeshift tent courts with no translators or legal representation available. I trust that Senator [Warren, Markey, Peters] will do what is right and humane by taking action to defund RIM and end its unlawful and unethical practices immediately.

Pass the Securing America's Federal Elections (SAFE) Act

The SAFE Act establishes requirements for voting systems, including that systems (1) use individual, durable, voter-verified paper ballots; (2) make a voter's marked ballot available for inspection and verification by the voter before the vote is cast; (3) ensure that individuals with disabilities are given an equivalent opportunity to vote, including with privacy and independence, in a manner that produces a voter-verified paper ballot; (4) be manufactured in the United States; and (5) meet specified cybersecurity requirements, including the prohibition of the connection of a voting system to the internet.

Call Senate Committee on Rules and Administration - (507) 288-5321 or (218) 287-2219

Suggested Script:

Hello. My name [is ________]. My address [including ZIP is _____]. My phone number [is ___]. I’m calling to get a message to “both” Senators Roy Blunt and Amy Klobuchar in their capacity as Chairperson and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. I want “both” of the Senators to move the “Securing America’s Federal Election’s (SAFE) Act” out of committee and to the Senate floor for further action.

Oppose further judicial confirmations until impeachment proceedings are complete.

Call: Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsay Graham (202) 224-5972; Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Diane Feinstein (202) 224-3841; Senate Leader Mitch McConnell (202) 224-2541

Script: Hi. This is [your name] and I’m from [ZIP] and calling to urge [Leader McConnell]// [Senator Feinstein in your role as Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee] [ Sen Graham in your role as Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman] to pause the federal judicial confirmation process during the impeachment process. The US House of Representatives has determined the president should be removed from office for abuse of power and obstruction of congress. Proceeding with lifetime judicial nominees would be an abdication of the Senate’s role in the separation of powers that protect our liberty. Until the Senate holds a fair trial and exonerates the president, it should confirm no further judicial nominees. Thank you.

Bonus: Send a postcard with the script above to Sens. McConnell, Graham, and Feinstein.

Sen. McConnell, 317 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

Sen. Lindsey Graham, 290 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

Sen. Diane Feinstein, 331 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

SUPPORT THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION TO STOP TRUMP FROM STRIKING IRAN

Donald Trump dramatically escalated the conflict between Iran and the US by ordering the assassination of Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani without congressional approval or support from US allies. Since approving the strike, Trump has continued to exacerbate tensions by issuing ominous threats via Twitter if Iran retaliates. His actions appear to be leading the US into a costly, brutal, and unwanted war with Iran. The sudden escalation of the Iran conflict immediately prior to Trump’s impeachment trial in the Senate casts doubt on Trump’s stated motivations for Soleimani’s killing. Only Congress holds the power to declare war, but the Trump administration had not even fully briefed Congress on Soleimani’s killing days after the assassination itself. Congress must act to decisively oppose Trump’s attempts to wage war without congressional approval. Representative Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) have introduced similar resolutions to curtail Trump’s warmongering. Both bills affirm Congress’s war powers by mandating that the Administration’s military hostilities against Iran cease within 30 days unless Congress formally approves further action. The wording of the resolution, Senate Joint Resolution 63: A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.

Senate only – House has already passed resolution.

LEAVING VOICEMAIL: Leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.

Senator Elizabeth Warren Springfield 413-788-2690 DC 202-224-4543

Script: Hello Senator Warren. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m calling today to ask you to support Joint Resolution 63 and make it clear that this administration must cease actions against Iran.

Senator Ed Markey Springfield 413-785-4610 DC 202-224-2742

Script: Hello Senator Markey. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m calling today to ask you to support Joint Resolution 63 and make it clear that this administration must cease actions against Iran.

REQUIRE CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL FOR THE USE OF MILITARY FORCE

On September 14, 2001, in the days following the largest ever terror attack on American soil, Congress passed the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), granting the President the authority to use “all necessary and appropriate force” against those who “planned, authorized, committed or aided” the attacks of September 11th “in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States.” Since 2001, the AUMF has been used as the legal basis for military action against a broad range of groups extending far beyond those implicated in the September 11th attacks. According to the Congressional Research Service, the 2001 AUMF has been used in at least 14 different countries to justify military intervention. For 18 years, the executive branch has used this overly broad and outdated authorization to wage unending war against terrorism with little or no appropriate congressional oversight. To end the President’s ability to use the 2001 AUMF, members of both the House and Senate have introduced legislation that would repeal the authorization. In the House, Representative Barbara Lee has introduced H.R. 2456, while Senator Tim Kaine has introduced S.J. Res. 13 in the Senate. Though the details of the legislation are different, both bills achieve the same significant step towards reinstating congressional oversight for military intervention and ending the executive branch's overly broad power to wage war.

LEAVING VOICEMAIL: Leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.

Senator Elizabeth Warren Springfield 413-788-2690 DC 202-224-4543

Script: Hello Senator Warren. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m calling to express my support for SJ Resolution 13 to repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force. It is time to end this overly broad and outdated authorization and reintroduce appropriate congressional oversight to fight terrorism and wage war.

Senator Ed Markey Springfield 413-785-4610 DC 202-224-2742

Script: Hello Senator Markey. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m calling to express my support for SJ Resolution 13 to repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force. It is time to end this overly broad and outdated authorization and reintroduce appropriate congressional oversight to fight terrorism and wage war.

Congressman Jim McGovern Northampton 413-341-8700 DC 202-225-6101

Script: Hello Congressman McGovern. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m calling to express my support for HR 2456 to repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force. It is time to end this overly broad and outdated authorization and reintroduce appropriate congressional oversight to fight terrorism and wage war.

Committee on Foreign Relations; Chairman: U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID). DC 202-224-2752

Script: Hello Senator Risch. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, STATE, ZIP] and I’m calling you in your capacity as the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations. I would like the Committee on Foreign Relations to consider SJ Resolution 13 to repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force, and to bring it forward to the full Senate. I would like to see legislation that will reinstate congressional oversight for military intervention and end the executive branch's overly broad power to wage war. Thank you.

Ranking Member: Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ). DC 202.224.4744

Script: Hello Senator Menendez. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, STATE, ZIP] and I’m calling you in your capacity as the Ranking Member of the Committee on Foreign Relations. I would like the Committee on Foreign Relations to consider SJ Resolution 13 to repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force, and to bring it forward to the full Senate. I would like to see legislation that will reinstate congressional oversight for military intervention and end the executive branch's overly broad power to wage war. Thank you.