Democrats Must Use the Filibuster to Defend Rights and Protect Our Planet
- by: Care2 Team
- recipient: Democrats in the U.S. Senate
Donald Trump's administration poses a direct threat to human rights, social justice, and the environment. What's even worse is that, following the recent 2024 election, Republicans will now be in control of not only the White House and Supreme Court, but also both chambers of Congress.
Right now, the Senate filibuster remains one of the last tools to stop policies that could devastate reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ protections, racial equity, and the fight against climate change. We cannot stand idly by while lives, liberties, and our environment hang in the balance.
We must demand that Democrats in the Senate stand firm and use every power at their disposal to block harmful legislation. Sign the petition to call on Democratic Senators to use the filibuster to protect human rights and the environment!
The filibuster is a rule in the Senate that effectively says that legislation and important nominations cannot advance unless 60 Senators or more approve of it. And since Republicans will only control 53 votes in the Senate, that means they would need to work together with Democrats in order to pass legislation or approve nominations.
So far, Republicans are saying that they plan to preserve the 60-vote threshold in the Senate. As long as that remains true, Democrats will maintain the ability to filibuster and prevent extreme bills from passing without bipartisan support.
This is our opportunity to protect what matters most. When it comes to reproductive rights, Trump's administration has repeatedly promised to roll back abortion access and defund organizations like Planned Parenthood. Anti-LGBTQ+ policies, such as allowing discrimination under the guise of "religious freedom," are likely to resurface. And when it comes to racial justice, we can expect to see more legislation that would exacerbate systemic inequality, limit voting rights, and marginalize communities of color.
On top of all that, Trump's fossil-fuel-first agenda puts the future of our planet at grave risk, and also would reduce safeguards for endangered animals and other wildlife. We can't afford policies that strip protections for clean air, water, and renewable energy.
The stakes could not be higher. We need Democratic senators to use the filibuster as a shield to protect our rights and our environment. We've seen how devastating unchecked power can be, but with courage and unity, Senate Democrats can stop the worst policies before they begin.
Sign this petition to demand that Senate Democrats fight back with the filibuster to safeguard human rights, equality, and our planet.
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