From Into Action. Download here.
Hi, all, and happy Monday.
I hope you had a great weekend— it is, as always, a wild moment in the news and I trust you’re caring for yourself accordingly.
This will be an eventful week in Congress, as some sort of spending bill must be passed by both chambers before September 30. The House will likely be voting on a Continuing Resolution today or tomorrow that goes for about 7 weeks, but it’s unclear—surprise surprise—whether Johnson has the votes to pass it.
In the Senate there’s even less clarity. Remember, Schumer has some leverage in this fight, as Democrats have filibuster power in the Senate. One would like to think that Dems, as a result, had a unified and powerful ask in this moment, but I’m not convinced that they do. Schumer and Jeffries are making vague noises about healthcare, but mostly they’re just asking Republicans to come to the bargaining table—something the GOP has thus far been unwilling to do. As far as demanding anything beyond a permanent extension of the ACA premium tax credits and maybe a repeal of the cuts to Medicaid funding (which they’ll never get) Democratic leadership seems thus far uninterested in demanding real concessions.
We’ve got to try to change that.
I’ve provided call scripts below. It is imperative that we keep trying to push Democrats to ask for more than they currently are. Polling shows that Americans will support them in shutting down the government if Democrats demand, in return, a repeal of both Medicaid cuts and the billionaire tax cuts, too, and more checks on Trump’s power! But Schumer, as always, is approaching the fight armed with a metaphorical plastic fork. His jumble of tepid asks and unclear demands does not, in short, inspire confidence.
It’s frustrating, to say the least.
Folks, Democrats need new leadership. Desperately. I will continue to call for it every time I call my representatives, and I hope you will, too. In the meantime we must push the leaders we have as hard as we can. Will they listen? Hard to say. Schumer is well aware of how furious we were with him for his capitulation in March. He appears to be determined to do better. Perhaps if we push him he will.
OK. This newsletter is already late so I’ll leave it there. I’m sending love and strength to every one of you. If I have to be in a seemingly endless slog to save our democracy there is no one I’d rather be in it with than you.
Let’s get to work.
Correction
I inadvertently posted something false in yesterday’s “Extra Extra.” I wrote that the UN had moved its summit from NYC to Geneva in response to the Trump administration’s refusal to grant Palestinian leadership entry to the US. This was apparently misinformation. I’m terribly sorry about that! I’ve removed the item from the online version of the newsletter and will, again, endeavor to be more careful about what I post.
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I’m a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
First, please ask the Senator to oppose the nomination of Stephen Miran for the Federal Reserve Board. Allowing a White House advisor to serve on the board will disrupt its independence and put the stability of our already shaky economy at greater risk. [H/T]
[If Democrat:]
Also, I’m furious to hear that Senate Democrats are considering caving to Republicans on the government spending package. I’m hearing they are thinking of allowing Trump some rescissions and that they’re not demanding a reversal of tax cuts for the richest Americans—even though Americans support these asks. In short, they’re not using their leverage to fight for popular policies. I can’t begin to express my frustration with this. Democrats wonder why they’re not popular? THIS is why. They should be saying NO to any rescissions. They should demand a permanent extension of the ACA tax credits, a reversal of all Medicaid cuts, and a reversal of tax cuts for billionaires. Otherwise they should vote no.
[If Republican]
I understand that Republicans have made no move to negotiate with Democrats on the spending bill, even though we are two weeks away from a shutdown. I find this so disappointing. The Senator knows Trump’s rescissions are wrong and that we must permanently extend the ACA premium tax credits and reverse Trump’s Medicaid cuts. S/he knows that bipartisanship matters. Please ask him/her to uphold his/her values and work with Democrats to achieve these ends. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I’m a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
[If Republican]
I understand that Republicans have made no move to negotiate with Democrats on a spending bill, even though we are two weeks away from a shutdown. I find this so disappointing. The Congressmember knows that bipartisanship matters. Please ask him/her to uphold his/her values and work with Democrats to achieve a spending bill that represents all Americans. Thanks.
[If Democrat:]
Please ask the Congressmember to vote no on the upcoming Continuing Resolution unless it contains provisions preventing all future rescissions, codifying a permanent extension of the ACA tax credits, reversing all Medicaid cuts, and reversing Trump’ tax cuts for billionaires. Thanks.
Extra Credit ✅
A great action from reader Katharine H.
I’ve written a letter to SCOTUS [asking each member to uphold their oath to the Constitution] that your readers are welcome to use and edit as necessary. I’ve saved it in a Google Drive folder (“LETTERS FOR DEMOCRACY”) along with letters to the 15 cabinet secretaries, and a letter people can use if they have Republican members of congress.
Here’s the link to the SCOTUS letters.
Here’s the link to the folder with ALL the letters.
I copied the text of the letter and pasted it onto my own Google doc, then edited as I wished. I will be mailing my letter to John Roberts today. You can write only him, or to all of the justices individually. There is a template for each one.
Get Smart! 📚
Reminder, Activate America’s next Organizer 101 training is coming up on Tuesday, September 16 at 5 PM Pacific / 8 PM Eastern.
They host these to give people the skills they need to start organizing for the critical upcoming election. They have trained nearly 500 organizers across the country since Spring, especially in the swing districts and states that will determine control of Congress. These skills will also be very useful for anyone organizing around California’s redistricting initiative, Prop 50, on the ballot this November.
You can sign up HERE.
Give 💰!
See below regarding the Zoom fundraiser on Wednesday at which I’ll be speaking. It’s a great description of Swing Blue Alliance’s goals and the rationale behind all of their grassroots work. And I do hope some of you can come!
The Grassroots ConnectorTurning Virginia’s Red Districts Blue in 2025 – The Path to Winning in 2026By Michelle Moore, Swing Blue Alliance-Virginia…Read more4 days ago · 21 likes · 5 comments · Robbin WarnerWin Races! 🗳
Join Sister District on September 16 for Fight for our Future: Momentum Starts Now.
Hear from a Sister District alum elected official preparing for 2026, a volunteer leader, and members of their team powering grassroots action every day. Learn why state legislatures are the key to lasting change, and how volunteering with Sister District can make the difference. Sign up below!
https://sisterdistrict.com/event-details/eventid/828665/
Chop Wood, Save the Planet 🔥
There are just 10 days to go until Sun Day! Over 350 events are planned across 46 states, making it the biggest day of action for clean energy in decades.
All we need is YOU. You can search their events page here to see what’s planned!
Resistbot Letter (new to Resistbot? Go here! And then here.) 💻
[To: all 3 reps] [H/T ] [Text SIGN PWZIIK to 50409, or to @Resistbot on Apple Messages, Messenger, Instagram, or Telegram]
(Note that for the most effective RESISTBOT it’s best to personalize this text. More about how to do this here. But if you’re short on time just send it as is using the above code.)
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s recent behavior — reportedly screaming threats of violence, including “I’m gonna punch you in your f***ing face,” at a journalist — is not only disgraceful but also disqualifying. A man entrusted with the nation’s economic stability must not behave like an unhinged playground bully.
This is not a partisan issue; it is a matter of basic competence and dignity in office. Bessent’s tantrums and sleazy smears, documented by respected journalists including Paul Krugman, show a pattern of behavior that is both childish and dangerous. How can Congress expect the American people to trust an official who lashes out like an angry adolescent when asked hard questions?
Congress must hold hearings to investigate Bessent’s conduct and fitness for office. The Treasury Secretary wields enormous influence over our economy, our markets, and our international credibility. If he cannot manage his temper, or if he cannot engage with criticism without resorting to threats, then he is not grown-up enough to handle this job.
I urge you to take immediate action. The American people deserve leadership marked by integrity, not intimidation.
OK, you did it again! You’re helping to save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk soon.
Jess
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