1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep frustration and disappointment over the ongoing government shutdown and the failure of Congress—particularly Republican leadership—to take meaningful action to resolve it. Essential workers across the country are showing up every day to keep our nation running, even while their paychecks are being held hostage to political games. These are the people who protect our borders, keep our airports safe, process our benefits, and serve our communities. They deserve far better than to be used as pawns in a partisan standoff. You were elected to work for the American people, not to grind government to a halt out of stubbornness or political posturing. It’s time to stop the childish infighting and get back to the job you were sent to do—govern. Please, put country over party. Work with your colleagues across the aisle, reopen the government, and ensure that essential workers receive the pay they have earned and deserve.