1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

We are now in November and I have received my second furlough notice. I have been following the multiple votes to re-open the government. Republicans blame Democrats for the shutdown, and Democrats blame Republicans. Congress has found itself in a stalemate, and this inability to compromise is only hurting the American people. The definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over while expecting a different outcome. Another vote will likely have the same outcome. Negotiation must happen. Please. Missed paychecks are taking a toll. Not only on families who are affected directly, where we are dipping into savings to cover routine bills, but also on the local economy where we can no longer afford to help others by patronizing their businesses. The second- and third-order effects of this shutdown are damaging to Ohioans and all Americans. Bipartisan discussion needs to happen and an appropriations bill needs to be passed. We don’t need excuses, we need solutions. Thanks for listening.