I don’t normally make asks like this, but the District needs your help urgently.

After House Republicans recklessly voted to cut $1 billion local dollars from DC’s budget on Tuesday, the Senate is now our last hope. Passing a continuing resolution that cuts DC’s budget will have real and devastating impacts on the District. In effect, it would force draconian cuts to teachers, first responders, and countless vital services District residents rely on. I am grateful to every member of our community who has called members of Congress this week to voice your opposition. It is truly making a difference.

As we approach the midnight deadline on Friday to pass the continuing resolution,we need every DC resident to tell the Senate to vote no on cloture unless Senator Alsobrooks’ amendment is approved protecting DC’s budget. The Free DC Project has created a page for residents to easily send emails to Senators voicing their opposition. Additionally, here is a list of Senators you can call to make your voice heard:

Senate Republican Leadership:

• John Thune (SD), Majority Leader – 202-224-2321
• Susan Collins (ME), Chair, Appropriations Committee – 202-224-2523
• John Barrasso (WY), Majority Whip – 202-224-6441

DMV-Area Senators:

• Chris Van Hollen (MD), Appropriations Committee – 202-224-4654
• Angela Alsobrooks (MD) – 202-224-4524
• Mark Warner (VA) – 202-224-2023
• Tim Kaine (VA) – 202-224-4024

Other Target Senators:

• Thom Tillis (NC): 202-224-6342
• Bill Cassidy (LA): 202-224-5824
• Rand Paul (KY): 202-224-4343
• Jon Ossoff (GA), 202-224-3521
• Gary Peters (MI), 202-224-6221
• Ruben Gallego (AZ), 202-224-4521
• Mark Kelly (AZ), 202-224-2235
• Jacky Rosen (NV), 202-224-6244
• Catherine Cortez Masto (NV), 202-224-3542
• Elissa Slotkin (MI), 202-224-4822
• Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE), 202-224-2441
• Maggie Hassan (NH), 202-224-3324
• Angus King (ME), 202-224-5344

Here’s a script you can use:

“Hello! My name is __________ and I am a resident of the District of Columbia. I am asking you to vote no on cloture for the continuing resolution unless Senator Alsobrooks’ amendment is approved protecting DC’s locally funded budget. Allowing the CR to move forward as-is would force DC to make $1 billion in cuts to public safety, schools, and other frontline workers halfway through our fiscal year. DC’s budget is balanced and was already approved by Congress last year. Furthermore, making this unprecedented change doesn’t save the federal government a single cent, and makes our city less safe. Please do not approve the CR in its current form and instead push for the amendment that would restore bipartisan, common-sense language protecting DC’s budget funded by my tax dollars. Thank you.“

I’m thankful for the support we’ve gotten from Senators, including Senator Angela Alsobrooks (MD), who filed her amendment to allow DC’s FY25 budget to continue without disruption.

Every voice makes a difference, and I’m grateful for every one of the calls and emails of Ward 4 and DC residents. 

In partnership,

—Janeese