Here’s the harsh truth, John.
Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is calling a vote today to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act and codify abortion rights before the Supreme Court officially overturns Roe v. Wade. But there’s one major problem: the U.S. Senate filibuster.
As long as the filibuster continues to exist, everything in our progressive agenda will be blocked by the Senate. The filibuster is a political procedure where one or more members of Congress talk for a prolonged period of time with the purpose of delaying — or outright obstructing — legislation from being brought up to a vote. But in our current usage, you don’t even have to do that; you can just announce your intention from the comfort of your home.
This has been a major reason why so much of our domestic agenda has been stalled, from voting rights to climate action to paid family leave. Because of a lack of support from conservative Democrats like Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, we’ve been unable to get rid of this antiquated political procedure from Jim Crow that Republicans have been using for years to block legislation.
Enough is enough. Our abortion rights are on the line. If we don’t take urgent action to abolish the filibuster, we will soon witness the erasure of abortion access across the country.
Everything in our progressive agenda from passing a minimum wage of at least $15, environmental justice, abortion rights, immigration reform, and voting protections — hinges on ending the filibuster.
We must end the gridlock that has become common practice in Washington and govern boldly and transformatively to improve the lives of millions of people all across the country. For too many of our communities, our very survival is at stake.
It's time we rise up against the filibuster and do what it takes to meaningfully legislate for the needs of St. Louis and communities like it.
It’s going to take a grassroots wave of pressure to make sure the Senate takes action. Add your name right now to demand the Senate abolish the filibuster so we can pass the Women’s Health Protection Act and our urgent, progressive agenda.
Together,
Team Cori
