Applauding Progressive Champions, Congressional Scorecard Highlights "People's Platform" Backers
Applauding Democratic members of the U.S. House for their support of a slate of bold and progressive bills, a coalition that mobilized a grassroots campaign is calling their “Summer for Progress” a success in terms of pushing an agenda that goes beyond simply saying “no” to the agenda of President Donald Trump and the Republicans who control Congress.
“Our leaders need to stand up for everyday Americans by addressing a platform that speaks to their immediate needs. We know that there are more Members in the House who support raising the minimum wage, combatting climate change, and taxing Wall Street. While the summer is over, our work to get all Democratic Members to sign onto these bills will continue.”
—Shannon Jackson, Our Revolution
Releasing a scorecard of congressional “champions” on Friday, the groups behind the “People’s Platform” summer lobbying effort—including Our Revolution, Food & Water Watch, and Progressive Democrats for America—said the 25 lawmakers highlighted, all Democrats, should be commended for co-signing legislation designed to “directly address the needs of working and middle class families.” See if your congressperson made the cut here.
Members of Congress, said Mark Schlosberg, organizing co-director for Food & Water Watch/ Food & Water Action Fund, “must do more than just resist Trump’s reactionary agenda.”
As part of their months-long organizing drive, backers of the People’s Platform declared their support for transformative policies contained in specific pieces of legislation that already exist. Local groups met with nearly two dozen lawmakers and held more than 100 petition delivery events in district offices.
“To really transform our politics and build the society we want to live in,” said Schlasberg, “Members of Congress must support bold progressive policies like Medicare for all, voting rights, criminal justice reform, and measures to stop dirty energy projects and rapidly move America off of fossil fuels. The Summer of Progress moved the ball forward, and we need to continue to urge all Members of Congress to support these priorities.”
Though the coalition was pleased with their ability to move some members, they say they will continue to press ahead now that Congress back in full-time work mode.
“We’re thrilled that the progressive voices of the people have been heard this summer and more than 60 new cosponsors have been added to the targeted 8 bills of the Summer for Progress,” said Shannon Jackson, executive director of Our Revolution. “Our leaders need to stand up for everyday Americans by addressing a platform that speaks to their immediate needs. We know that there are more Members in the House who support raising the minimum wage, combatting climate change, and taxing Wall Street. While the summer is over, our work to get all Democratic Members to sign onto these bills will continue.”
The “People’ sPlatform” itself asks members to cosponsor the following bills: