Monday, November 18 - Protect the Right to Protest and Dissent / Pass the PRESS Act
Actions You Can Take
Action 1: Email Your House Representative on Protecting the Right to Protest and Dissent
Action 2: Tell Senators to Pass the PRESS Act
Contact Senator Durbin at 312-353-4952 or at other numbers listed here
Contact Senator Duckworth at 312-886-3506 or at other numbers listed here.
Action 1: Protect the Right to Protest and Dissent
After failing to pass it earlier this week, on Monday Nov 18 the House is scheduled to vote yet again on H.R. 9495, a bill that would grant the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Treasury the unilateral authority to suspend the tax-exempt status of organizations deemed “terrorist supporting” without providing meaningful due process or requiring any evidence - much less evidentiary standard - to support such a designation.
Under President-elect Donald Trump, this legislation would enable his administration unfettered power to stamp out any groups opposed to his agenda. It must be stopped. Congress must take every step possible to curtail excess Executive power, and not expand it.
Please email your House Representative and ask them to vote NO on HR9495.
Action 2: Pass the PRESS Act
As attacks on journalism escalate, it’s crucial to recognize that treating journalists as criminals undermines our democracy. The PRESS Act (S. 2074/HR 4250) is a vital piece of legislation that would protect reporters from having to reveal their sources or face government surveillance. This act aims to strengthen federal shield laws, ensuring that journalists can do their jobs without fear of retaliation, thereby allowing us to access the information we need.
The PRESS Act has already passed the House with strong bipartisan support, but it needs your voice to move forward in the Senate. Contact your U.S. senators today and urge them to co-sponsor this important legislation. Let’s stand up for press freedom and protect the vital role journalists play in our democracy!
Contact Senator Durbin at 312-353-4952 or at other numbers listed here
Contact Senator Duckworth at 312-886-3506 or at other numbers listed here.
Suggested script: "Hello, I am [full name] and I am a constituent in zip code________. I want the Senator to support the PRESS Act (S 2074) a bi-partisan, nationwide law to shield journalists from surveillance. Can I count on the Senator’s support?
While some of these Daily Actions come from our own work as Indivisible Chicago Alliance, others are from our many partners working to advance the progressive agenda. We invite you to join us in supporting their work. Postings from partners do not imply Indivisible Chicago Alliance endorsement of specific policies and positions.