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.
FARM BILL 2018: Support Bipartisan Senate Plan, Oppose House Plan
The House narrowly passed its farm bill that was drafted behind closed doors cuts food assistance and gives massive subsidies to the rich. The Senate passed it’s own bipartisan plan that helps farmers without robbing millions of Americans of their vital food assistance. The bill now goes to conference. QUICK ACTION: Tell your MoCs to preserve the protections in the Senate bill and to vote NO on any version that hurts the poor and the environment.
HOUSE IMMIGRATION BILLS: Reject All Partisan Bills
The hardline Goodlatte bill and the Ryan bill are dead. The House may make one more partisan attempt at an immigration bill that would replace family separation with indefinite family detention.
QUICK ACTION: Tell your House reps: we reject all partisan immigration bills!
BAN BUMP STOCKS: Submit a Public Comment by June 27
The ATF has proposed a rule that would ban bump stocks under the National Firearms Act, and the public comment period is open until June 27. Gun rights activists have already added tens of thousands of comments opposing the measure. QUICK ACTION: Submit your comment before the deadline, voicing your support for the rule change.
NET NEUTRALITY: Defend Internet Freedom in FCC Vote
The Senate voted to restore the net neutrality regulations that protect our internet freedom which were eliminated by Trump’s FCC earlier this year. Now the issue heads to the House where its fate is less certain.
QUICK ACTION: Thank Senators Collins, King, and Rep. Pingree for supporting net neutrality, and tell Rep. Poliquin that rural residents and small businesses depend on the freedom and access to the internet that net neutrality provides.
HANDS OFF CHIP: Oppose Plan to Slash $15 Billion from Vital Programs
In an attempt to woo back fiscal conservatives after its massive over-spending spree, the Trump Administration unveiled plans to cut $15 billion from CHIP and dozens of other programs.
QUICK ACTION: Tell your Members of Congress to oppose any plans that would snatch budgeted funds from vital programs.
STAND AGAINST TORTURE: Demand Opposition to CIA Director Nominee Gina Haspel
Gina Haspel, Trump’s nominee to be director of the CIA, was responsible for overseeing a CIA torture site that broke US and international law, and then ordered evidence of the torture destroyed.
UPDATE: Haspel has been confirmed.
OPPOSE ANTI-MUSLIM NOMINEE FOR SECRETARY OF STATE: Tell Collins and King to vote NO on Mike Pompeo
Anti-muslim CIA Director Mike Pompeo faces an imminent confirmation vote in the Senate to become the next Secretary of State, even if he is rejected by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
QUICK ACTION: Call or email Senators King and Collins and urge them to vote NO on Pompeo.
PROTECT THE CLEAN POWER PLAN: Oppose Trump’s repeal
The Trump Administration is taking steps to repeal the Clean Power Plan, a blueprint for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and stemming the speed of climate change.
QUICK ACTION: Voice your opposition to the stripping of environmental and health protections by submitting a public comment on the EPA’s plan by this THURSDAY.
COAL LOBBYIST NOMINATED TO EPA: Oppose Andrew Wheeler for EPA Deputy Adminsitrator
Long-time coal lobbyist and climate-change denier Scott Wheeler is up for the second most powerful post at the EPA. With EPA secretary Scott Pruitt’s job on the line, the Senate confirmation vote is more critical than ever. UPDATE 4/12: WHEELER WAS CONFIRMED, with Collins voting yes and King no.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS: Block Trump’s Transgender Ban
With four federal courts blocking his discriminatory ban on trans troops, Trump recently issued a new, but similarly flawed order reportedly drafted by LGBTQ opponent Mike Pence.
QUICK ACTION: Speak out in support of ALL our troops, and ask King, Pingree, and Poliquin to support the bipartisan bills that would prevent Trump’s ban from taking effect with this easy tool!
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.
