You'd think this would be fairly straightforward. For many years, regardless of party affiliation, presidents have asked Congress to do this when it's been necessary -- and every time, Congress has acted. Just as an example, Congress granted Ronald Reagan's request to raise the debt ceiling 18 different times.
Here's what's happening: President Obama proposed the balanced approach of raising the debt ceiling paired with responsible steps to reduce our country's long-term debt -- asking oil companies, corporations, and the richest Americans to do their part rather than placing the entire burden on seniors and the middle class.
A deal has been close at times, but an ideological faction of House Republicans has been effectively holding our economy hostage -- making extreme demands like ending Medicare as we know it, gutting Social Security, and rejecting any compromises that might make millionaires or big corporations pay their fair share to get our debt under control.
So last night, President Obama spoke to the nation and made a suggestion to everyone watching: Call Congress and ask them to do their job. Since then, there have been reports that the flood of calls and emails has been slowing down the phone systems and websites on Capitol Hill. But keep trying until you get through -- they need to hear from you.
According to our records:
You're represented in the Senate by: Richard Burr -- (202) 224-3154
And in the House of Representatives by: Howard Coble -- (202) 225-3065
And House Speaker John Boehner -- who is leading the Republicans in negotiations -- could stand to hear what Americans like you think, too. His number is (202) 225-0600.
Call them now -- and tell them we can't afford to let politics hold our economy hostage. It's time to put ideological demands aside and agree to a balanced approach. Then click here to let us know how it went.
Here's what the President said last night:
"The American people may have voted for divided government, but they didn't vote for a dysfunctional government. So I'm asking you all to make your voice heard. If you want a balanced approach to reducing the deficit, let your member of Congress know. If you believe we can solve this problem through compromise, send that message."
The President doesn't make a direct request of all of us like this very often. Take a minute right now to call your members of Congress -- then let us know how it went:
http://my.barackobama.com/
Thanks,
Messina
P.S. -- If you missed it, here's the full video of the President's speech. Watch it and spread the word:
http://my.barackobama.com/
