1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

As we enter the 36th day of this government shutdown, I urge you to stand firm and resist reopening the government prematurely. Our position is strengthening, and now is not the time to back down. Recent reports show that our strategy is working. President Trump has admitted to GOP lawmakers that they're being 'killed' politically by this impasse. We must capitalize on this advantage. The increasing severity of the shutdown's impacts, including the FAA's warning of reduced air traffic, is creating additional pressure on the opposition. I strongly encourage you to communicate with your Democratic colleagues, especially Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, about the critical importance of maintaining a united front. While some may be tempted by stopgap funding deals, yielding now would squander our hard-earned negotiating power. Our resolve in this moment will shape not only the outcome of this shutdown but also future policy negotiations. Stand strong for the American people and resist the urge for a quick but unsatisfactory resolution.