November 18, 2024
Pass the Press Act, protect non-profits, more curing opportunities, and more!
PASS THE PRESS ACT
Sen. Ron Wyden has introduced the PRESS Act, which would shield journalists at the federal level from the retaliation that Trump has promised against all his enemies, and give them protection against disclosing their sources. While this act’s chances of passing on its own are unlikely, we can still push for adding this as an amendment to a funding bill in the upcoming lame duck congress. Even if the GOP blocks the legislation it is still worth letting our legislators know that we support a free press that’s unbound by government interference, and we will be watching any efforts to restrict independent journalism very closely. Let’s contact our legislators about this bill (S. 2074/HR 4250) today.Â
PROTECT NON-PROFITS AND THE RIGHT TO DISSENT
Last week, the House narrowly defeated the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act (H.R. 9495). Part of the bill would give the Treasury Secretary, who is appointed by the President, the power to label any non-profit organization a "terrorist-supporting organization" and remove its tax-exempt status. While on its face, the intent may seem harmless, the language of the bill does not define "terrorist-supporting organization," does not include oversight or due-process, and puts the designation of "terrorist supporting organization" at the Treasury Secretary's discretion. Material support for foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) is already prohibited, further making this bill unnecessary, and more likely a tool to be used by the Executive Branch to punish non-profits and activists it disagrees with. When the bill was voted on last Tuesday, over 52 Democrats voted in favor, and it lost on a two-thirds vote. On Thursday, the bill was reintroduced, and it is expected to be brought to the House floor today, Monday, November 18th and only needing a simple majority to pass. If passed,
groups wouldn’t be able to collect donations, pay staff, or get banking services and the administration wouldn’t have to provide even an explanation. This is part of the revenge work the administration has promised. Let's contact our representative and tell them that we want them to protect the right to dissent and prevent the abuse of power in the Executive Branch by voting "no" on H.R. 9495. We can contact them directly via phone or email, or use the form emails available at Indivisible or the ACLU or the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund.Â
UNCALLED HOUSE RACES - MORE BALLOT CURING OPPORTUNITIES
While the Republicans won the House, the balance is still in play. There are still several House seats that are undecided, and ballot curing is still happening.  Let’s use these links from Team Pelosi to sign up to help with ballot curing for some of the remaining uncalled Congressional House races.  We can also use activist Amy Siskind’s master list of ballot curing opportunities.Â
ASK MAJORITY LEADER CHUCK SCHUMER AND SENATORS TO CONFIRM BIDEN NOMINEES TO THE JUDICIARY
Judges appointed by Trump in his first session have wreaked havoc in dismantling reproductive rights, shutting down humane immigration policies–like providing green cards for spouses of Americans, and even dismissing Trump’s own criminal case. Before Trump gets a chance to appoint more judges, the Senate, in its lame duck session has an opportunity to confirm more Biden nominees. Let’s write to Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer and ask him to prioritize this in the Senate’s final session before Republicans take over. And let’s contact our own Democrat Senators to ask them to use their influence to make sure this happens.
OPPOSE THE APPOINTMENT OF FRACKING COMPANY EXECUTIVE, CHRIS WRIGHT, AS ENERGY SECRETARY
Trump has chosen Chris Wright to be his Energy Secretary. Chris Wright is the CEO of the Denver-based fracking company, Liberty Energy. Not only does Wright stand to profit personally from the reinstatement of fracking, but he is also an outspoken critic of efforts to shift towards clean energy and slow climate change. Putting him in charge of energy would lead to the abandonment of all efforts to mitigate damage to the climate. Let’s contact our senators and ask them to oppose this appointment.Â
TELL SENATORS TO CONFIRM NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD CHAIRÂ NOW
There’s only a limited amount of time left to confirm Lauren McFarren as Chair of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Under her guidance, the board has strengthened protections for workers, reversing Trump-era policies, punishing anti-organizing actions and supporting collective bargaining. Her reconfirmation would give Democratic members control of the board majority until 2026. As of now, McFerran’s current term expires Dec. 16.  A second Trump administration could starve the NLRB of resources and dismantle workers’ rights, so let’s strengthen workers’ protection as much as we can now by calling our Senators and demanding they confirm Lauren Mc Farren as National Labor Relations
Chair now.Â
Am I wrong or did you use to provide links to actions - In the vein of Jess Craven. For those of us with visual limitations it would sure help. I understand it’s time consuming and may not be possible.