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.
GOP TAX SCAM: Reconciling Two Awful Bills
Republicans have reached an agreement on the GOP Tax Scam worth $1.5 trillion in giveaways mostly to the rich. A vote is expected next week.
QUICK ACTION: Brush up on the latest talking points, attend a tax scam event near you, and keep up the pressure on Susan Collins to let her know that her constituents are overwhelmingly opposed to both bills.
DACA: No Clean DREAM Act, No Budget!
Every day that Congress fails to pass a clean DREAM Act, 122 young immigrants lose their DACA protection and become exposed to deportation.
QUICK ACTION: Contact your reps and tell them “NO CLEAN DREAM ACT, NO BUDGET!” and to get to work on passing S. 1615 in the Senate and H.R. 3440 in the House.
CONTROVERSIAL EPA NOMINEE: Vote NO on Michael Dourson
Update 12/14: Facing opposition from a few Senate Republicans (including Collins), Dourson has WITHDRAWN HIS NOMINATION! The Trump administration’s controversial nominee to head the EPA’s chemical safety office is a chemical industry insider with a track record of favoring corporate interests over health safety and the environment. His nomination could come for a vote in the Senate soon.
QUICK ACTION: Call and email senators Susan Collins (202) 224-2523 and Angus King (202) 224-5344 ask them to oppose Michael Dourson for assistant EPA administrator.
CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY: Vote Imminent
Cleverly concealed inside a bill that strengthens background checks is the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act that turns the weakest state laws on concealed weapons into the law of the land. Rep. Poliquin co-sponsored the bill, which passed in the House and now moves to the Senate. Make sure Poliquin knows how you feel about him hiding his dangerous pet project in this way, and join in phone banking efforts to defeat this bill.
TRUMP/GOP TAX SCAM: Things You Might Not Know
The Senate will vote on its version of the Trump/GOP tax scam this week. You already know that both House and Senate versions provide massive tax cuts for the wealthy, paid for by increasing the deficit, increasing taxes for the poor and middle class, and slashing important programs. Learn all the other horrible ways this tax scam will hurt Americans, and call Susan Collins (202-224-2523) every day this week to ask her to oppose it.
DO THIS, NOT THAT: Be Heard By Your Members Of Congress
Suit Up Maine leaders recently took a trip to Washington DC to meet with policy staffers of our Members of Congress (well, at least three of them). We asked them to give us some insight and tips into the very best ways constituents can convey their concerns to their reps, and know that they are being heard. Have a look at what they told us.
ACA OPEN ENROLLMENT: Spread The Word!
Trump’s ACA sabotage tactics include halving the open enrollment period, and slashing the marketing and outreach budget. Help Mainers know that the new enrollment period is open NOW, and will end on Dec. 15.
TRUMP TAX SCAM: Paradise Papers Edition
A leak of documents called the “Paradise Papers” show how tax loopholes preserved by the GOP tax plans allow the ultra-rich to hide their wealth offshore, depriving the U.S. of about $70 billion in annual tax revenue. Email and call Sen. Collins and demand that the Senate tax reform plan eliminate all loopholes that allow the rich and big business to avoid paying taxes.
DEFEND CLEAN CAR STANDARDS: Oppose Changes to Auto Efficiency Regs
The Trump Administration has taken the first step toward weakening fuel efficiency standards designed to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, which have been linked to climate change. Submit a public comment to the EPA by October 5 in support of existing clean car standards.
EXTREME JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS: No Blue Slip, No Hearing
Senate leadership is threatening to abandon the 100-year old “blue slip” reference tradition that provides a critical firewall against extremist judges nominated to lifetime appointments. Urge Angus King and Susan Collins to publicly speak out in favor of maintaining the blue slip tradition, and ask them to tell Chuck Grassley (Chair, Judiciary Committee) and Mitch McConnell (Majority Leader): NO BLUE SLIP, NO HEARING.
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.
