What to Do Wednesday
Your Weekly Guide to Staying Politically Active—From Abroad
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
As Americans living abroad, we know that our voices are crucial in shaping the future of our nation. This week, we're focusing on two pressing issues that demand our attention and action.
#1 The Reckless Bombing of Iran: A Call for Accountability
The recent bombing of three nuclear sites in Iran by the Trump administration has drawn widespread criticism from across the political spectrum. Critics, including many Democrats in Congress, have vehemently argued that these strikes are patently illegal and a clear violation of the U.S. Constitution, as they were authorized without congressional approval. The Constitution grants only Congress the authority to declare war, a power seemingly disregarded in this impulsive action.
Adding to the chorus of concern, DNC Chair Ken Martin issued a powerful statement on June 21, 2025, in response to Trump's unilateral act:
"In January — speaking to the entire nation at his Inauguration – Donald Trump proclaimed ‘We will measure our success not only by the battles we win, but also by the wars that we end, and perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into.’ Today, against his own words, the president sent bombers into Iran. Americans overwhelmingly do not want to go to war. Americans do not want to risk the safety of our troops abroad. Americans do not want a president who bypasses our constitution and pulls us towards war without Congressional approval. Donald Trump needs to bring his case to Congress immediately.”
Call to Action: We must hold our elected officials accountable. Contact your Members of Congress and demand answers. Urge them to assert their constitutional authority over war-making and to prevent further unilateral military actions that could destabilize the region and endanger American lives. Let them know that reckless military interventions are not in the best interest of the American people or global stability.
Here’s how:
Find ready-made call scripts and much more here on the Democrats Abroad Take Action website or, here on 5calls.org.
#2 The Trump Budget Bill: A Blueprint for Disadvantage
The Trump budget bill, dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill," is anything but! Independent analyses, including those from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), reveal a troubling reality: this bill is projected to increase the national deficit by trillions of dollars over the next decade, despite claims of deficit reduction. The CBO estimates a staggering $2.4 trillion increase in the deficit and 10.9 million more uninsured Americans.
The bill recently passed in the House and will likely be up for a vote in the Senate this week!
Here's why this budget bill is problematic:
- Massive Tax Cuts for the Wealthy: It extends expiring 2017 tax cuts, disproportionately benefiting corporations and the wealthy, while adding new tax breaks that further reduce government revenue.
- Cuts to Essential Programs: To partially offset these tax cuts, the bill proposes significant reductions in federal spending on vital social safety net programs. This includes new work requirements for Medicaid recipients, leading to millions losing health insurance, and cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), impacting food security for vulnerable Americans.
- Increased Debt: The bill will lift the cap on the national debt by an astounding $4 trillion, further burdening future generations with unsustainable debt.
- Deregulating AI: Quietly slipped into the bill is a provision that would ban states from setting rules for Artificial Intelligence for a full decade, granting sweeping immunity from state regulation. This raises serious concerns about unchecked AI development and its potential impact on employment, privacy, and even election integrity.
Call to Action: This budget bill threatens the well-being of millions of Americans. Contact your Members of Congress and express your strong opposition to these provisions. Urge them to prioritize fiscal responsibility, protect essential social programs, and ensure that technological advancements are regulated responsibly for the benefit of all citizens, not just a select few.
Here’s how:
Use our ready-made email template and write to your GOP Senator today and tell them NO WAY!
Call your Senators and help a friend to call using these Democrats Abroad resources.
Democrats Abroad Italy July 4th Gatherings!
Get ready to celebrate Independence Day with your fellow Americans in Italy! Join us for our annual July 4th gatherings:
These events are a wonderful opportunity to connect with other Democrats, share your concerns, and strengthen our collective voice.
Get Involved with Democrats Abroad Italy!
Your engagement is vital! We rely on the passion and dedication of our members to make a difference. There are many ways you can get involved:
- Sign up to help: Whether you have an hour a week or a few hours a month, your time and skills are valuable. Email us at [email protected] to learn about volunteer opportunities, or fill in this quick survey and let us know what your volunteer interests are!
- Share our message: Help us reach more Americans in Italy! Share information on joining Democrats Abroad Italy on your Facebook and Instagram accounts. Follow us on our social media channels (links below) to stay up-to-date on our activities and share our content with your networks.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DemsAbroadItaly/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demsabroaditaly/
Last but not least, join the Activism from Abroad team as we explore another tool in our kit – writing OpEd pieces for newspapers back in the US, Thursday 26 June @18:00CET, RSVP Here: Activism from Abroad 201: How to leverage the Op/Ed page - Democrats Abroad
"They that give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."
– Benjamin Franklin
Let these words remind us of the enduring fight for liberty and the vigilance required to protect our democratic principles. Your voice matters. Your action makes a difference. Let's continue to fight for the America we believe in, together.
With Gratitude,
Leyani Redditi
Chair Democrats Abroad Italy
As always I welcome suggestions for future editions of What to do Wednesday. Please email me at [email protected]
Ps. Are you a voter in NJ, VA, AZ, PA, or TX? You have important elections coming up. Make sure you have requested your overseas ballot at https://votefromabroad.org. Need help? Write to us at [email protected]