1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

Dear Representatives and Senators, As one of your constituents, I am deeply concerned about the ongoing government shutdown and its consequences for millions of Americans. I urge you — regardless of party affiliation — to work immediately to restore full government operations and to ensure health care subsidies are protected in any final budget agreement. This shutdown is already harming federal workers, disrupting vital services, and weakening public confidence in our government. Every day that passes without a resolution causes further damage — to families living paycheck to paycheck, to small businesses relying on government contracts, and to the broader economy that depends on a functioning federal workforce. Threatening to fire federal employees or permanently eliminate their roles as part of budget negotiations is reckless and shortsighted. These are hardworking public servants who keep our country running. Using them as bargaining chips will only deepen economic instability and erode the long-term capability of our government. In particular, the inclusion of health care subsidies must not be sacrificed. These subsidies are critical for millions of Americans who depend on them to afford basic medical care. Undermining health care access now will only increase costs down the road, both in human and economic terms. It is time to end the stalemate. I call on you to lead with courage and bipartisan cooperation — to pass a responsible budget, reopen the government, and ensure that essential services, including health care subsidies, remain protected. The American people are watching. We expect action — not blame.