FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Here are our Calls to Action, Guides, and Explainers on federal legislation and policy. This includes the federal budget, international affairs, national security, the Mueller investigation, and a range of other topics. Interested in helping us track federal legislation and policy? Take action with us.
BLOCK EXTREMIST & UNQUALIFIED JUDGES: No Zealots in Lifetime Positions
We’re tracking the most concerning nominees to lifetime judicial appointments, in partnership with other progressive groups. Justin Walker, a nominee to the DC Court of Appeals, opposes the ACA, unions, and civil rights and is the latest in a long line of extremist, unqualified nominees.
QUICK ACTION: Learn more about Walker’s extremist record and tell Collins and King to vote NO on his confirmation.
IMPEACHMENT
The House impeached President Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, and the Senate voted to acquit. Only one Republican senator found him guilty, and it wasn’t Susan Collins.
QUICK ACTION: Congress was unable to hold Trump accountable, so now the job is ours. Thank Senator King for honoring his oath and serving his constituents ethically and honorably.
NO WAR WITH IRAN: Tell Congress to Block an Illegal War
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran remain high following the assassination of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the second-most powerful leader in Iran. The House passed a war powers resolution with bipartisan support, and the Senate will soon take up its own measure.
QUICK ACTION: Tell Susan Collins to support the Senate war powers resolution, and get caught up on the developments.
NO TAXPAYER-FUNDED DISCRIMINATION: Oppose proposed HHS rule
The Trump administration has proposed a new rule that would allow faith-based organizations that receive certain types of federal funding to discriminate against LGBTQ individuals, women, people of color, and non-Christians without losing taxpayer dollars.
QUICK ACTION: Submit a public comment opposing the rule by midnight THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19.
SAVE SNAP: Oppose Trump’s cuts to food assistance program
The Trump administration has issued a proposed rule change that would cut food assistance to 3.1 million people—including 44,000 Mainers—and eliminate school meals for 500,000 children. QUICK ACTION: Submit a public comment opposing the rule change by September 23 and tell your MoCs to protect vulnerable Mainers.
RECESS ACTIONS: Attend an August recess event
While Maine’s Congressional delegation is home for the August recess, groups around the state are holding events to draw their attention to critical issues. QUICK ACTION: Find an event near you and tell your members of Congress to take action!
THE MUELLER REPORT: Reset the Narrative
Robert Mueller testified before the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees July 24. The most significant takeaway? Every American should read the report. Find links to versions for all platforms and print here, and plan your own book club gathering to discuss it with your friends.
MAINERS RESPOND: Collins’ approval ratings plummet
Morning Consult released its latest polling data on sitting U.S. senators today, and it isn’t good news for Maine’s Sen. Susan Collins (R). Her approval ratings have dropped 16 points since earlier this year, leaving with her a 48% approval rating in Maine and 45% disapproval. QUICK ACTION: Read our takeaway on the new poll.
NO FAMILY DETENTION: Maine vigils against Trump’s internment camps
More than a dozen groups around Maine took part in the Lights for Liberty vigil on July 12, a national protest of Trump’s inhumane immigration policies and his internment camps for immigrant families. Hundreds turned out in 12 towns around the state, joining thousands of others in more than 700 cities around the U.S. ACTION: See the image galleries below from the Maine vigils, volunteer at one of Maine’s immigrant advocacy organizations, and tell your members of Congress to take action.
#SaveTheCensus: No citizenship question on the 2020 Census
The fight against adding an untested, unnecessary, and likely unconstitutional citizenship question to the 2020 Census has been hard to follow. Bottom line: There will be no citizenship question, but Trump is still hoping to help Republican-controlled state governments move forward with plans to gerrymander districts in favor of Republicans. Read more.
Suit Up Maine is an independent, all-volunteer grassroots progressive group that seeks to build a more informed and engaged electorate in Maine. Founded in 2016, Suit Up Maine is run by and for Mainers, and is not engaged in fundraising of any kind. Representing thousands of constituents across Maine’s 16 counties, Suit Up Maine raises awareness of and advocates for policies and legislation that promote equity and equality in civil rights, social justice, health care, the environment, education, the economy, and other areas that affect the lives of all people. Suit Up Maine is beholden to issues and action, not parties or politicians.
