1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

Republicans in Congress could end the Trump shutdown today if they actually cared about the American people more than scoring political points or appeasing Donald Trump. Instead, they are allowing our government to remain paralyzed, holding our nation hostage while families, workers, veterans, small businesses, and entire communities pay the price. This is not leadership—it is negligence. Every day the shutdown continues, real people suffer. Federal employees are forced to work without pay or go without income altogether. Families are unable to cover rent or groceries. Small businesses that rely on federal contracts or customers with paychecks are already seeing devastating effects. Veterans and military families are left in limbo. Public safety and critical health services are jeopardized. These are not abstract consequences; these are the lives and livelihoods of Americans who deserve far better from their elected officials. Congress has the clear authority to act. You can pass a budget deal today that protects Americans’ health care, preserves Social Security and Medicare, ensures vital government services remain functioning, and takes away Trump’s blank checks to pursue his reckless and authoritarian agenda. Every single day you delay, you are making a choice—a choice to side with chaos, cruelty, and dysfunction over stability, responsibility, and the will of the people. The American people did not elect you to enable Trump’s destructive behavior or allow him to use our government as a bargaining chip for his own personal agenda. You were elected to represent your constituents, to safeguard democracy, and to ensure this country remains functional and fair for everyone. Right now, you are failing. Enough is enough. End this shutdown immediately. Stop pretending this is anyone’s fault but Trump’s and those in Congress who continue to enable him. Stop sacrificing families, workers, and communities for political theater. We need a responsible budget deal now—one that protects health care, safeguards the programs Americans rely on, and reins in Trump’s abuse of power. You are at a crossroads: you can either continue down the path of chaos, corruption, and cruelty, or you can stand up, fulfill your oath of office, and do what is right for the people you represent. History will not look kindly on those who chose party and power over the people who elected them. I am demanding immediate action. Pass a budget. Protect health care. Take away Trump’s blank checks. End the shutdown today.