Calling is simple - just follow these steps!
1. Call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121.
2. Ask to be connected to your senator's office. The receptionist will answer. Introduce yourself as (your name), a constituent from (city, state). Ask to speak to the staffer who works on the Jubilee Act.
3. You will be connected with the staff person (or their voicemail). Say:
“I am calling to urge Senator ________ to support the Jubilee Act (S. 2166), which was passed by the House and had a hearing in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday, April 24. The Jubilee Act has bipartisan support and would expand debt cancellation for 24 additional impoverished countries, provided they meet criteria to ensure that the money is used for poverty reduction. Do you know Senator _________'s position on the Jubilee Act?”
(You can stop there, or add an additional sentence about why this issue is important to you or tell them more about the legislation).
The Jubilee Act:
- Will cancel the debt of approximately 67 impoverished countries in the Global South;
- Will remove harmful economic conditions tied to debt cancellation, such as requiring countries to privatize their water systems or capping public spending on doctor and teacher salaries;
- Will mandate transparency and accountability on the part of governments and international financial institutions
- Will move forward with a framework for more responsible lending practices
4. Be sure to thank the receptionist when you are finished.
5. If you’d like to take further action, contact Policy Fellow Danielle Pals at danielle(at)jubileeusa.org with the results of your call. This will enable Jubilee USA to register your senator’s support/opposition, and she can provide you with additional ways to get involved.
