Indivisibles,

Today, Politico reported that the Problem Solvers Caucus, a group of centrist Democrats, have been in talks with so-called moderate Republicans about reaching a compromise on the MAGA default crisis. 

This is not a compromise. This is not good bipartisanship. This is an example of caving to the extremist Republican position that there is anything to be negotiated here. 

There is no option but Congress fulfilling its obligation to avoid a default crisis without strings attached -- anything less is a MAGA ploy to hold our country hostage for the sake of cutting vital programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. 

Luckily, President Biden and Democratic leaders are standing firm. They understand that Republicans cannot win by playing with the livelihoods of their constituents. If Republican posturing drives us to default, it will directly harm the people, and (surprise surprise) Republicans have yet to even so much as put forward a plan. 

Why?

Because they have no leadership.
They have no coherent message.
All Republicans have is a fractured party that is beholden to MAGA extremists like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Matt Gaetz who care more about their individual public profiles than the good of the American people. 

The “Problem Solvers” are not solving any problems. They are creating new ones. We’ve shown that when we bow to Republican extremism, it emboldens them to become more extreme the next time. It is a race to the bottom and we won’t participate.

Indivisible activists across the country know all about how to actually solve problems. It involves locally-focused civic engagement using impactful tactics and strong messaging. We’ve proven its effectiveness time and again, and that’s how we’ll prevent this MAGA default crisis.  

With that, here are your weekly to-dos:

 Your 5 weekly to-dos 

1. RSVP for our National Activist Call: The MAGA Default Crisis on Wednesday, April 12 at 8pm ET/5pm PT. We know the MAGA majority in Congress is promising to hold the economy hostage in an attempt to cut critical programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Join us to learn how we plan to fight back and send a clear message that House Democrats will not allow American lives and livelihoods to be used as bargaining chips. 
2. Read and share our MAGA Default Crisis page. This page is the new home for everything concerning the MAGA effort to throw our nation into chaos by forcing our government to default on our debts in order to cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Our current focus is on getting Democratic members of the House of Representatives to sign on to the Boyle, Jayapal, Kuster letter opposing the MAGA Default Crisis and refusing to cut vital services. Scroll down to the bottom to see if your representative has signed on.
3. If your Democratic representative has not yet signed on, call and tell them to add their name to the Boyle, Jayapal, Kuster letter opposing any cuts to Social Security and Medicare. Republicans are threatening to hold the world economy hostage. Democrats need to stand strong and join President Biden in saying we’re not negotiating with hostage-takers. Every Democratic member who signs onto this letter makes it clearer to Republicans that Dems won’t cave, and clearer to all Americans that the Democratic Party can be counted on to protect Medicare and Social Security. Once you’ve called, write a letter to the editor (LTE) encouraging your MoC not to negotiate with MAGA hostage-takers and then tweet at your MoC demanding they sign on.
4. If your Democratic representative has already signed on, call your representative and thank them for signing on to the letter. Our representatives need to know when we’re in support of their actions, there’s no better way to let them know than to call them directly. The stronger we show our support, the more likely they will work for the people in the future. When you’re finished calling, write an LTE thanking your representative for signing on. Don’t just support your MoC in private, submit an LTE thanking your representative so that your community, and other MoCs paying attention, know that your representative is doing the right thing and supported by their constituents. Public praise helps put the pressure on the remaining MoCs to sign on too. 
5. If you have a Republican representative, call and tell them you oppose the MAGA default scheme. Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee have advanced a scheme to “prevent a default” that would essentially give congressional MAGA extremists the power to decide which bills get paid (and potentially put critical payments to hospitals, schools, and social safety net programs at the back of the line). Call your Republican representative and tell them you oppose the “debt prioritization” scheme. 

P.S. We rely on your support to keep call pages up and running, fund ads to get the word out, and continue all the work we’re doing this year. If you’re able, click here to donate to help fund our work.

This week’s We Love To See It! is a little different: We’re highlighting three senators who all showed up as fighters on the same issue -- Howard Schultz’ testimony regarding Starbucks’ anti-union efforts before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee last Wednesday. 

Since 2021, almost 300 individual Starbucks stores have voted to unionize. In that time, none of them have achieved a contract with the company while being exposed to multiple different types of anti-union activity (here’s an account of what one of the workers faced). Watch as senators grill the former Starbucks CEO, holding him publicly accountable for the injustices committed against Starbucks workers across the country.

Senator Ed Markey, Massachusetts

Sen. Ed Markey systematically breaks down the need for labor unions, the experiences of Starbucks employees, and Schultz’ complicity in the exploitation of the workforce. Watch Sen. Markey argue for labor rights here. 

Senator Bernie Sanders, Vermont

Sen. Bernie Sanders presses Schultz directly on his involvement in Starbucks union-busting efforts, asking him specifically about his role in terminations, withholding of benefits, and intimidation of workers.

Senator Tina Smith, Minnesota

Sen. Tina Smith confronts Schultz on the benefits Starbucks has declined to extend to their unionized stores while refusing to bargain in a timely manner in good faith. Watch Sen. Smith tell Schultz “I just think you’re wrong.” 

 National Events 

RSVP for our Press and Media Training on Tuesday, April 18 at 8pm ET/5pm PT. One of the core principles of Indivisible activism is holding our representatives accountable. Whether that’s through birddogging them for bad votes at their events or celebrating their accomplishments, accountability is key to advancing our agenda. One of the best tools of accountability is earned media coverage. Join us on Tuesday, April 18 to learn more about how to establish relationships with local press, build events that get media coverage, and take advantage of high-visibility news moments with your groups.

 IndivisiWin of the Week 

A 98 years young member of Elders Indivisible calling out Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick for voting to defund planned parenthood.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up on the latest information, and text “INDIVISIBLE” to 59798 to opt-in to our text messaging program where we send rapid response actions a few times a month.

Indivisibles are the real problem solvers! We’re so proud to continue to fight for the good of the people alongside activists like you.

In solidarity,
Indivisible Team