Week in Review May 5, 2017
JAC members just returned from a trip to Washington, D.C. We met with over 60 Representatives and Senators, both in their offices on Capitol Hill and at special events we hosted, while advocating for our issues. It was an empowering and motivating few days. We hosted six freshman JAC-supported House members for breakfast, such as Reps. Jacky Rosen (NV-3) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), and heard from seven Senators who joined us for lunch: Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jon Tester (D-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). We also visited with old friends such as Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Ed Markey (D-MA) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).
Former Senator Mary Landrieu hosted JAC at her home along with special guests Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). Next year, we hope more JAC members will travel with us to Washington.
Members of Congress urged us to keep up our engagement. They told us how important it was that they hear from us. Phone calls are making a difference. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) told us that it's "not just about resisting, but insisting for a better future." Despite these challenging times, we can not give up, she said. We must continue fight for our values and remain politically engaged.
We must also remember that every vote counts. The House repealed the ACA by only four votes. This dangerous bill now heads to the Senate. Women's health care is in jeopardy as well as the health care of millions of Americans. We need to make sure this bill does NOT pass the Senate. Similarly, we must fight Trump's attacks on the separation of religion and state, including his most recent religious freedom executive order. We urge you to call your Senators. Keep the pressure on and stay involved with JAC.
