1. United States
2. Ga.
3. Letter

I am writing as your constituent to urge you to prevent another government shutdown by immediately working across party lines to pass a clean continuing resolution (CR) that maintains current FY2026 funding levels until Congress can complete the FY2027 appropriations process. The American people have already endured repeated funding crises and prolonged government shutdowns. Enough is enough. Shutdowns are costly, disruptive and entirely preventable. They waste taxpayer dollars, delay essential services, disrupt research and public health activities and create unnecessary uncertainty for families, businesses and communities. Federal employees should not be used as leverage in political negotiations. Thousands of dedicated public servants have already endured workforce reductions, reorganizations, hiring freezes and ongoing uncertainty. Living without a paycheck is financially devastating, especially as the cost of housing, groceries, child care and other necessities continues to rise. No family should have to wonder whether they can pay their bills because Congress failed to fulfill its most basic responsibility. I respectfully ask Congress to: Pass a clean continuing resolution that maintains current funding levels until final appropriations are enacted. Prevent another government shutdown under any circumstances. Reject additional reductions in force or workforce cuts across CDC and HHS. Maintain at least FY2026 funding levels for CDC programs. Preserve funding supporting birth defects prevention, infant health and folic acid activities. Protect the scientific, surveillance, laboratory, communications and emergency preparedness functions Americans rely upon every day. Conduct strong congressional oversight of any HHS or CDC reorganizations to ensure they do not weaken congressionally authorized programs, scientific expertise or civil service protections. Protect federally funded research and ensure stable, transparent and evidence-based grant administration. Public health cannot be paused because of politics. CDC and its state, tribal, local and territorial partners are responding to numerous public health threats at any given time, including disease outbreaks, natural disasters and other emergencies. Stable funding and an experienced workforce are essential to protecting the health and safety of the American people. If Congress cannot complete appropriations on time, then keeping the government open through a clean continuing resolution is the responsible course of action. Governing through repeated crises is not leadership. It undermines public trust, increases costs for taxpayers and weakens the nation’s preparedness and security. I also believe Congress should hold itself accountable for meeting its constitutional responsibility to fund the government. Members of Congress should not continue receiving pay while allowing preventable government shutdowns to occur. The American people expect accountability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. I urge you to work with both Democrats and Republicans to keep the government open, protect the federal workforce, preserve public health funding and provide the stability the American people deserve. As your constituent, I will be following these votes closely and will consider them when casting my ballot. Thank you for your service and your consideration.