Call with Raskin, Stansbury
Dems Taking Action
- Increased Coordination: All 215 House Democrats are in constant communication, and Senate Democrats are doing the same.
- Disrupting Republican Actions: Using voting power and actions to obstruct, even if it’s not always visible.
- Task Forces: Every Democratic House member is on a task force; only the Rapid Response one is public.
- Behind-the-Scenes Republican Actions:
- Public statements from some Republicans do not match their private actions.
- Letters from Democrats have successfully influenced Republican officials, e.g., ending mass layoffs for tribal programs and reinstating HBCU agriculture scholarship funding.
- Misleading Media Narratives: “Don’t be fooled by the mirage they put on TV.”
Legal and Oversight Efforts:
- Attorney Generals’ Role: Democratic AGs meet daily to strategize on lawsuits and collaborations.
- Jamie Raskin on Trump & Court Orders:
- Judges can issue contempt motions.
- Criminal enforcement requires DOJ involvement, but civil enforcement (e.g., property seizure, daily fines) does not.
- Democrats are prepared for further action if necessary, but “we are not there yet.”
- Trump is complying with some cases.
Data Privacy & Protection
- Winning the Treasury Case: But data security remains uncertain.
- Class Action Lawsuit Possibility:
- A Reagan-era 1986 law may allow a nationwide lawsuit if proof of data tampering is found.
- Currently, there is speculation but no solid proof.
Republican Outreach Efforts
- Targeting Key Republicans:
- Focus on retiring Republicans and freshmen who may not have realized what they signed up for.
- Raskin has engaged personally, even hosting Boebert and her family for dinner.
- Republicans in Moderate Districts: Facing pressure from the administration.
Shadow Cabinet Debate
- Requires Coordination Between House, Senate, and DNC.
- Concern: If specific people are assigned to shadow agencies, others might not take action.
- Advocates are working to reassure skeptics that it will function effectively.
Congressional Standing on Agencies
- Congress has standing to act in cases where others, like unions, do not.
- More details expected in the coming weeks.
- Democrats will likely assert their right to go to court on behalf of federal agencies.
Fighting Corruption
- Warning Signs:
- When Republicans push narratives about eliminating “waste, fraud, and abuse,” it’s often a cover for corruption.
- The administration’s dismissal of Inspectors General undermines accountability.
- Recommended Reading: Documents from the Judiciary, Appropriations, and Oversight Committees.
Final Message:
Democrats are actively working behind closed doors, taking action, and making progress. Keep pushing forward!