The first check on Trump’s power

Donald Trump takes office in 59 days. If the past two weeks are any indication, we can expect the same haphazard, ill-conceived approach to governing as his first administration. We’re preparing for the worst and planning to oppose him every step of the way. Our voices and views matter. The actions we take now matter.

Yesterday, accused sex offender Matt Gaetz withdrew himself from consideration for Attorney General after realizing Senate Republicans were not going to confirm him. It’s appalling that Trump chose someone to be the nation’s highest law enforcement officer whose only experience with law enforcement is being investigated himself, but we were glad to see that some limits exist on Trump’s power.

Donald Trump still has a long list of grossly unqualified nominees, many of whom have trafficked in antisemitic conspiracy theories. This is just one example of why we must continue our advocacy efforts to defend and advance our values.

Thousands of you have already joined us this week, and we hope you’ll continue to do so. It’s quick, easy, and has an impact. Keep reading for more.

Urge the Senate to Confirm Judges

Under President Biden, the Democratic Senate majority has confirmed a historic number of judicial nominees, but due to Republican delay tactics, there are still many judicial vacancies.

With only a few weeks remaining in the 118th Congress, it is essential that the Senate confirms all of President Biden’s current judicial nominees before Donald Trump and Senate Republicans return to power. We need to avoid a situation similar to Trump’s first term when he appointed 234 lifetime federal judges to the bench, including three Supreme Court justices – roughly a quarter of the entire federal judiciary. Joe Biden is still President, and his judicial nominees should be confirmed.

Sign now and urge the Senate to confirm judges who will uphold our values.

URGE THE SENATE: CONFIRM JUDGES WHO UPHOLD OUR VALUES

Oppose Recess Appointments

Mobilizing to confirm judges isn’t the only action we need you to take with JDCA today. Donald Trump is already pressuring the Senate to abdicate its constitutional responsibility to vote on his nominees by granting him carte blanche with recess appointments. This means there will be no “advise and consent” role for the Senate with Executive Branch nominations, which is enshrined in the Constitution. Urge your senators to fulfill their constitutional obligation and oppose recess appointments of Donald Trump’s nominees.

SENATE: OPPOSE RECESS APPOINTMENTS

JDCA Stands Up For Jewish Values

As the political home and voice of Jewish voters, we oppose legislation that is in violation of our values and policy platform, as well as the Democratic Party Platform. This includes legislation related to Israel. We’re proud to stand with Israel and support full funding of U.S. military assistance to Israel with no cuts or conditions.

On Wednesday, the majority of Senate Democrats voted against a set of resolutions that disapproved of weapons shipments to Israel, which we strongly opposed. Jewish Democrats sent over 1,800 letters to senators urging them to reject the resolutions, and thanks in part to our advocacy, it overwhelmingly failed.

When you take action with JDCA, it makes a difference. Read our statement applauding the majority of Democrats for standing with Israel and opposing these resolutions of disapproval on arms sales.

Thank you for your involvement with JDCA and for taking action today as we gear up to counter a Trump presidency. Your support ensured the Jewish community stood strong for Democrats this election cycle and held key House and Senate seats. Your continued support of JDCA will ensure the Jewish community continues to stand up and speak out in support of our values. Together, we will continue to make a difference.

Shabbat Shalom,

Hon. Ron Klein
Board Chair, Jewish Democratic Council of America

Halie Soifer
CEO, Jewish Democratic Council of America