Hellobee Boards

I emailed my senators and representative asking them to oppose Betsy DeVoss, because she is grossly unqualified and I am a public school advocate.

Canadian, but I called my MP's office to ask our government to stand up against Donald Trump's ban on Muslims.

Both of my senators and my representative. I've signed a few petitions, as well - support CDC funding, public health funding, immunization funding, oppose Betsy Devos. I also sent an email separately to one of my senators to thank him for his efforts to oppose several of the cabinet picks and continue to stand in opposition to the president even when others around him aren't willing to do so. I thought it was important to acknowledge the good fight!

Three - both senators and my representative, about the travel restriction order. So far the senators (Cornyn and Cruz) have been silent. The rep (Roger Williams) has publicly come out in favor of the order. UGHHHHHHHHH.

My rep a half hour ago tweeted "During this time we must ensure our vetting process is completely foolproof." Um...our refugee vetting process is already stringent. This will radicalize people - undoubtedly some American citizens - into becoming terrorists if they were not already! The stupidity and shortsightedness is astounding.

@Anagram: You're absolutely correct, it all does matter, whether you call, write, or email. I have reached out to one of my state senators in particular thanking him for his vigorous questioning of DeVos as well as some of the legislation that he's introducing. I feel as though he has it right, he's working for me.

The problem, at least from where I sit, is that the Republicans are advancing their own agenda. Specifically Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell. They represent their small areas, but because they have leadership positions, they really represent the entire country and this is where I do not feel heard. Everything I have read says to only contact your reps, so I feel, I don't know, silenced?

I've seen posts on social media saying that calling is the most effective way to make your voice heard and emails don't get read. Does anyone know if either of these are true? Since I live abroad, it's costly/logistically difficult to call my reps.

I've called my republican country executive asking him to take a stance on the Muslim ban. He has not...

@Anagram: from what I've read and I could be wrong, your information is taken down when you call to log your call and ensure you're in their district.

ETA: my husband called our Texas representative and they logged his info, not sure that everyone is getting their info logged.

Not sure if you saw this on Facebook, but PLEASE do this if you oppose DeVos. I got through on my third try and spoke to an actual person, who made note of my opposition. I have democratic representation casting a "no" vote already, so it felt good to be able to make a call as well.

Betsy DeVos's nomination to be Secretary of Education is up for confirmation tomorrow, January 31st. She is DANGEROUS️ If you oppose her nomination, please take 5 MINUTES and call the House Oversights & Government Reform Committee. They are tallying the number of calls against the nominee, and this support can then be used to sway other congressional members during the meeting tomorrow.
House Oversights and Government Reform Committee - 202-225-5051
(I got through right away, it took others a couple more tries). Press 2 to speak to someone, and let them know that you oppose her nomination.

@ChiCalGoBee: @Boopers: I just called and the aide said she would share my stance with the committee.

The thing that got me about DeVoss - was different accountability standards for different schools and unequal protection for children with disabilities. HRC went undercover to fight that BS. We can't go backwards.

@ChiCalGoBee: wow that was so easy. Thanks. I am ripping the bandaid off today and making calls, I was being a wimp and it's not that bad!!!

Please forgive my ignorance on this question, but I've been googling and cannot find an answer to my question. The HELP committee is set to vote on DeVos tomorrow. The committee consists of something like 23 US Senators. Are they the only ones voting for her nomination or do all 100 senators vote for her nomination? I've seen all over the Internet to call the senators on the committee to ensure enough people vote no, but is it worth calling my US senators even if they aren't on the committee? Cornyn and Cruz probably won't answer regardless, but I'll make the call today if they are voting.

@Boopers: @Mrs. Lemon-Lime: @junebugsmama: Glad you ladies were able to make the call.

It's probably pretty evident but I am very against everything that's gone on since January 20th, and I'm fed up as hell. Thanks to all for what you're doing to make your voices heard. Seeing so many come together like this makes me feel like there's some hope.

@MsInformation: Oak Park is so great! I actually live in San Diego right now but I'm a Chicagoan through and through!

@Boopers: i haven't gone to the next page yet -- but the way a nomination (or bill) works at the federal level (or in my state, PA) - is that first, the nominee/bill gets introduced. Then, if the committee chairs like it, it can be referred to a relevant committee. Then, it gets voted out of the committee and on to the full body (in nominations of Secretaries - the Senate.) Then the full Senate votes to confirm or deny.

If it's a bill and it's approved, then it moves on to the other legislative body that it was first approved in. And then if it's approved, and there are any changes from the FIRST approved version, it goes back to the other body for a concurrence vote.

THEN it can go on to the executive branch (President or Governor) to be signed or vetoed.

the Legislative body can override an executive veto with enough votes.

Hooray for checks and balances....let's hope they remain.

I was really heartened to see that the issue that I contacted my representatives about has been addressed. I contacted them about the refugee ban and specifically mentioned translators and interpreters in my message. I was heartened to see that the ban has been lifted for Iraqi interpreters. I know my voice is infinitely small and likely had practically zero influence, but in any case, this amendment is a bright spot.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/02/world/middleeast/trump-visa-ban-iraq-interpreters.html?_r=0

If your senators and representatives have full voicemails or they aren't picking up the phone, like mine aren't, you can use the website ww.w.faxzero.com to send 5 free faxes a day. I thought maybe they might pay attention to that more than emails, because at least it's a physical piece of paper

Don't forget your state levels reps too. They are trying to push through some stuff while everyone is focused on the national stuff.

@hummusgirl: @Boopers: Texas has a senate bill (SB4) that they are trying to push through that would force all local law enforcement to ask about immigration status and detain people without their papers on them. The House is reviewing a bill to implement school vouchers in TX. This is likely to happen way faster than a national system from DeVos. Oh, and there is a transgender bathroom bill that Dan Patrick is pushing.

Also, rumor has it that Cornyn is wavering and could vote no on DeVos, so if you haven't called him lately, you might consider calling him again.

@mrs.shinerbock: Very good point about state level!

My state just introduced a bill to change how our electoral votes are given. It's obviously an attempt to make sure Republicans in our state have more of a vote. I contacted our representatives urging them to vote against it and to vote for a different bill to bring our state into the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Popular_Vote_Interstate_Compact