1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I’m writing to say thank you for being in the trenches during this congressional shutdown. It must be incredibly frustrating and frightening to see how many people’s lives hang in the balance while so many of your colleagues are absent from the table. The idea that food‐aid, healthcare access, and essential services could be disrupted because of political stalemate is heartbreaking. It’s not just policy—it’s our neighbors, our friends, our community. I deeply appreciate your willingness to stay engaged, to speak up, and to represent us even under these terrible circumstances. Please keep: — advocating for immediate government funding so that no one’s access to food or healthcare is delayed; — maintaining pressure on leadership to act responsibly and ensure proper oversight; — listening to constituents’ stories—because the human stakes are real; — and reminding our government that democracy isn’t merely about elections—it’s about people’s lives. Thank you again for your voice, your dedication, and your presence. I’m grateful to have you representing us and look forward to better days ahead.