Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser.

Nurturing a movement for real change

Hi Friend,

Successfully mobilizing a movement for political change is like being a good parent: Both efforts require equal parts optimism and realism.

Even as Congress continues to defy the unpleasant laws of recent political physics (passing bipartisan packages on gun safety, semiconductors, veterans’ health, and NATO expansion – all in the summer of an election year, no less), we all know that these accomplishments represent exceptions to the status quo of polarization and division.

And even as we celebrate these significant legislative triumphs and analyze them for clues as to how and why they happened, we know there is a long way to go before two-party solutions addressing the needs and aspirations of America’s working families are the norm.

Look around the country over the same time period in which these bills have advanced and the signs of all the work left for us to do are in sharp relief:

the political warfare over the Democrats’ pursuit of a mammoth tax and spending bill via the wholly partisan reconciliation process
the loss of Congressman Peter Meijer in a Republican primary in which both his vote to impeach former President Trump and Democrats’ cynical support for his victorious GOP rival will deny him the chance to return to Congress and the Problem Solvers Caucus
the victories in Tuesday’s primaries on the Republican side of candidates who deny that Joe Biden won the 2020 election and of far-left Democrats who value confrontation over consensus

Even as we savor success, we need to be realistic about what more we need to get done. For example, bipartisan legislation to shore up confidence in and the integrity of our presidential election system is far from a sure thing to pass, despite the broad-based support the measure has in Congress.

My No Labels colleagues and I would like to hear from you about what it will take to keep our momentum going and achieve the full remaking of our political system and culture we all know is still necessary.

Please send us an email at [email protected] and let us know what tactic, strategy, theme, or idea you think would help mobilize the majority of the country that wants to alter the current incentive structure in Washington that warps our government. We need to find ways to further leverage the demands of our citizens for change.

Your contribution can be a grand policy scheme – or a small, simple suggestion.

Whatever thoughts you have that we can incorporate into our efforts, we need your input.

As I said earlier, activating this movement is much like being a successful parent. And parenting is very much on my mind because I will be off for a bit soon as I am expecting to give birth to my second child any day now. While I’m gone, you will be in the good and active hands of my colleagues. They will be working hard in my absence to incorporate your great ideas into our planning for the fall and beyond.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Margaret White
Executive Director
No Labels

Five Facts on the Senate 'Vote-a-Rama'
By No Labels

After months of delay, Democrats are moving a budget reconciliation package through the Senate that features significant climate and energy, tax and healthcare provisions. But the final bill must first survive a “vote-a-rama" — a unique and recent Senate custom that requires dozens of votes on all sorts of amendments. The practice — which is often deployed by the minority party — can delay legislation by forcing senators to take difficult stands on many issues, and divide the coalition needed for passage.

LEARN THE FIVE FACTS ▸

‘The Time for Congress To Act Is Now’: Collins, Manchin Discuss Importance of Reforming Electoral Count Act
By Anna Betts

Last month, a bipartisan group of 16 Senators announced an agreement on a new bill aimed at clearing up the vague language in the Electoral Count Act, or ECA, which first passed in 1887. The Electoral Count Act of 1887 governs the process by which Congress counts electoral votes for President – a process that supporters of former President Donald Trump sought to interrupt during the Jan. 6 insurrection.

READ MORE ▸

The Rapid Rise of Elaine Luria, the Boldest Moderate in Congress
By Walter Shapiro

“She’s a politician of the current era who could probably fit in an earlier era,” Jay Jones said. “She could have served on the Church Committee or Watergate.” In a sense, there is a knowing innocence about Luria. Not, in any way, weakness—she used to command ships. But rather a steadfast faith that America’s better angels can still be summoned.

LEARN MORE ▸

Former Senator Joe Lieberman Believes the Best Seat in the House Is in the Middle
By Colin McEnroe Show

Former Senator Joe Lieberman believes the center of Congress is the best place from which to legislate. It’s the sweet spot for negotiation and compromise and making the deals that move the country forward. He thinks Congress would get more done if members would shift closer to the center and away from the fringe.

LISTEN NOW ▸

Bumps, Bipartisanship in Long Fight for Semiconductor Bill
By Josh Boak

Five weeks ago, senior Biden administration aides gathered for their regular Thursday morning meeting about passing a bill to revive the U.S. computer chip sector, worried that it could be in peril. After 18 months, the bipartisan effort to provide $52 billion for semiconductors was getting close to the finish line. But they were concerned that Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell might block it.

CONTINUE READING ▸

Democrats Need More Joe Manchins
By Matthew Yglesias

In the end, after a lot of drama, Senator Joe Manchin did the right thing. And by signing off on a legislative deal that will reduce the deficit, cut drug costs and invest in zero-carbon domestic energy, he has made many progressives very happy. What progressives need to do now is reconsider their churlish attitude not only toward Manchin, but also toward Manchinism. Democrats would benefit from more Manchin-type candidates running in other states.