1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent from Eugene in your district. I am deeply concerned about the pending appropriations bill that is set to pass tomorrow. While a government shutdown would be problematic, the current version of the bill includes several untenable provisions that threaten the fundamental rights and health of transgender people and jeopardizes healthcare access for all Americans: • Stripping Medicaid and Medicare coverage for trans individuals of any age • Imposing a nationwide ban on trans athletes participating in sports consistent with their gender identity • Removing protections for LGBTQ+ foster children • Prohibiting the display of Pride flags in public spaces These measures are discriminatory, harmful, and contrary to the values of equality and dignity that our nation stands for. They would leave countless trans Americans without essential healthcare and legal protections, exacerbating an already vulnerable situation, and erode healthcare access for everyone. Trans healthcare is healthcare for all. I respectfully urge you to: 1. ⁠Vote against any version of the appropriations bill that contains these anti‑trans riders. 2. ⁠Advocate for a clean bill that funds the government without compromising the civil rights and healthcare of transgender citizens. 3. ⁠Support legislation that protects LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in healthcare, education, and foster care. Our country can avoid a shutdown and uphold the rights of all its residents. I hope you will stand with your constituents and reject these harmful provisions. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to hearing how you plan to act.