Towards the end of 2020, when Senate Republicans finally came back to the negotiating table to hammer out a COVID-19 relief package, initial conversations did not include any additional direct cash assistance in the form of survival checks (also referred to as “stimulus checks” or “economic impact payments”). We have already seen some effective uses of the Progressive Voting Bloc as a tactic, even before the caucus process officially went into effect, which only builds momentum for future opportunities and makes it more likely that progressive ideas are consulted-as they should be!-when legislation is still in formation 2020 Survival Checks What does the Progressive Voting Bloc Look Like in Action? It will take our continued engagement for the voting bloc to be used successfully and achieve the progressive wins in Congress that we want to see. This took coordinated efforts from strategic progressives in the House, like-minded organizations like Indivisible, and the hard work of grassroots activists making it known that they expect their representatives to be bold and wield their power. We want to be clear that this is a momentous step forward for progressives, but we didn't get here by accident. Even if only a smaller portion of the caucus agrees, those members are still able to coordinate with each other and operate as a bloc. If at least two-thirds of CPC members agree, then they are all expected to cast their votes as a bloc. Any CPC member can ask for caucus support on a particular position, whether that’s supporting a major progressive bill or amendment, or opposing a harmful concession. This included a process for operating as a voting bloc in key moments. In preparation for the 117th Congress, the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) adopted a number of new rules to increase their power and influence in Congress ( see our op-ed from when they made these changes). The Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Progressive Voting Bloc. This leverage only matters if progressives use it-and fortunately we’ve already seen some promising examples. This reality gives progressives the ability to commit their votes together as a voting bloc and use that leverage in legislative negotiations to secure progressive wins and prevent harmful compromises.
In order to pass legislation, Democratic leadership needs the support of as many of their members as possible and can only afford to lose a few votes on any bill. Progressives hold a significant portion of the total Democratic seats in the House, including some exciting first-term progressives.
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