FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Here are our Calls to Action, Guides, and Explainers on federal legislation and policy. This includes the federal budget, international affairs, national security, the Mueller investigation, and a range of other topics. Interested in helping us track federal legislation and policy? Take action with us.
SAVE SNAP: Oppose Trump’s cuts to food assistance program
The Trump administration has issued a proposed rule change that would cut food assistance to 3.1 million people—including 44,000 Mainers—and eliminate school meals for 500,000 children. QUICK ACTION: Submit a public comment opposing the rule change by September 23 and tell your MoCs to protect vulnerable Mainers.
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BLOCK EXTREMIST & UNQUALIFIED JUDGES: No Zealots in Lifetime Positions
We’re tracking the most concerning nominees to lifetime judicial appointments, in partnership with other progressive groups. Because Mitch McConnell slashed the time frame for reviewing nominees, many highly objectionable have been rushed through to confirmation, and others now face IMMINENT votes.
QUICK ACTION: Call Collins and King and tell them to voice their opposition to these extremist nominees facing imminent confirmation votes.
RECESS ACTIONS: Attend an August recess event
While Maine’s Congressional delegation is home for the August recess, groups around the state are holding events to draw their attention to critical issues. QUICK ACTION: Find an event near you and tell your members of Congress to take action!
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THE MUELLER REPORT: Reset the Narrative
Robert Mueller testified before the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees July 24. The most significant takeaway? Every American should read the report. Find links to versions for all platforms and print here, and plan your own book club gathering to discuss it with your friends.
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MAINERS RESPOND: Collins’ approval ratings plummet
Morning Consult released its latest polling data on sitting U.S. senators today, and it isn’t good news for Maine’s Sen. Susan Collins (R). Her approval ratings have dropped 16 points since earlier this year, leaving with her a 48% approval rating in Maine and 45% disapproval. QUICK ACTION: Read our takeaway on the new poll.
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NO FAMILY DETENTION: Maine vigils against Trump’s internment camps
More than a dozen groups around Maine took part in the Lights for Liberty vigil on July 12, a national protest of Trump’s inhumane immigration policies and his internment camps for immigrant families. Hundreds turned out in 12 towns around the state, joining thousands of others in more than 700 cities around the U.S. ACTION: See the image galleries below from the Maine vigils, volunteer at one of Maine’s immigrant advocacy organizations, and tell your members of Congress to take action.
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#SaveTheCensus: No citizenship question on the 2020 Census
The fight against adding an untested, unnecessary, and likely unconstitutional citizenship question to the 2020 Census has been hard to follow. Bottom line: There will be no citizenship question, but Trump is still hoping to help Republican-controlled state governments move forward with plans to gerrymander districts in favor of Republicans. Read more.
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HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN YEMEN: End U.S. Support for Saudi-Backed War
Trump has vetoed a bipartisan resolution to end U.S. support for the war in Yemen, which has produced what the United Nations calls the world’s worst humanitarian crisis in 100 years. QUICK ACTION: Ask Representatives Pingree and Golden and Senators King and Collins to override Trump’s veto.
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PROTECT OUR WATERS: Oppose Trump’s “Dirty Water Rule”
The Trump administration has proposed widespread rollbacks to clean water protections, jeopardizing wetlands and drinking water for nearly half a million Mainers and millions of Americans. There’s just one week left to submit a public comment! QUICK ACTION: Submit a public comment opposing the rollbacks by April 15.
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RELEASE THE REPORT: Demand the full Mueller report and attend an April 4 protest
Congressional leaders from both parties have called on AG William Barr to release the full, unredacted Mueller report to Congress. So far, he has refused, offering instead to make a redacted version public by mid-April.
QUICK ACTION: Attend one of 9 #ReleaseTheReport protests in Maine on April 4 and ask your members of Congress to call Barr to testify before Congress if he refuses to give them the full report.
Suit Up Maine is a statewide, all-volunteer, progressive, grassroots group of more than 5,400 Mainers that seeks to create and foster a more informed and engaged electorate. We raise awareness of and advocate for policies and legislation that promote equity and equality in civil rights, social justice, health care, the environment, education, the economy, and other areas that affect the lives of all people. We are beholden to issues and action, not parties or politicians, and we aren’t engaged in fundraising. Suit Up Maine fosters collaboration among our state’s progressive groups and organizations to collectively connect, educate, and motivate Mainers to rise in non-violent resistance to a regressive agenda.