- United States
- Wisc.
- Letter
I am writing to express my deep concern about the Shutdown Fairness Act introduced by Senator Ron Johnson on October 17, 2025. While I appreciate the intent to ensure federal employees receive pay during government shutdowns, I strongly urge you to oppose this legislation due to a critical flaw in its language.
The inclusion of the phrase "and for other purposes" in the bill's text is deeply troubling. This vague wording could potentially allow the President to redirect funds in ways not explicitly authorized by Congress, undermining the fundamental principle of separation of powers and congressional control over federal spending.
As your constituent, I believe it is crucial to maintain the integrity of our constitutional system, where Congress holds the power of the purse. Allowing such broad language in legislation could set a dangerous precedent, enabling executive overreach and diminishing the role of our elected representatives in determining how taxpayer money is spent.
I understand the importance of supporting our federal workers, especially during challenging times like government shutdowns. However, this should not come at the cost of compromising our democratic principles. There must be a better way to address this issue without jeopardizing congressional authority over appropriations.
I respectfully request that you voice opposition to the Shutdown Fairness Act in its current form and work towards an alternative solution that both protects federal workers and preserves the constitutional balance of power. Our government's integrity depends on maintaining these crucial checks and balances.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing about your stance on this issue and the actions you plan to take to protect our constitutional framework.