Phoned Congressman Jim McDermott’s office, Washington 7th district (Seattle) the intern was non-commital, saying that McDermott wanted to see the final bill before voting on it. (I’m guessing he wants to see what the possible abortion provisions are going to look like, next time I call I will ask about this.) I told the intern that I strongly supported the bill and mentioned that we might not get another chance at health reform for a long time if this bill fails. She said she would pass on the message.
I really encourage people to do this, it feels good when you make an effort.
Just got off the phone with Sheila Jackson Lee’s office (D-TX-18). I’ve been calling for weeks now and her office has been a bit vague about where she stands, although it’s been relatively clear she would vote for the Senate bill. Today, however, I got a straight answer. Her staffer told me she’d vote for the bill. Thank goodness!
After I explained to the staffer that I supported the Congresswoman’s vote for the bill, she (the staffer) became rather chatty and admitted that they were getting tons of calls where people were yelling at them about the bill and shouting that Congresswoman Lee shouldn’t vote for it and repeated rightwing talking points and lies. Apparently it gets pretty heated and unpleasant, according to the staffer.
So the staffer was pretty happy to get a call from someone supporting the bill. Said they aren’t getting tons of those calls. And we had a long conversation about why it should be passed, what the ramifications are of not passing it, etc. She really was happy to talk to someone who was for the bill.
I encourage anyone who has a Congressperson out there who is voting for the bill to phone them and let them know you appreciate their vote. If Congresswoman Lee’s office is any indication, the staffers are having to deal with some pretty irate constituents. It’s genuinely appreciated when they get a call in support. Plus, it’s a good idea to let your Congressperson know that those of us who support the bill really are out here.
House switchboard: (202) 225-3121
Senate switchboard: (202) 224-3121