1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

I am writing to you not just as a constituent of Minnesota’s 8th District, but as an active duty member of the United States Air Force. Today, I went to work as I always do — serving my country — but I did so without being paid because of the government shutdown. Meanwhile, my wife, a civilian Air Force employee, has been furloughed and sent home without pay. I want to know why you weren’t at work today. Why is Congress not doing its job to ensure the government remains open and the people who serve this nation — in uniform and out — are not left bearing the burden of political gridlock? While you and your colleagues continue to collect paychecks, my family is now trying to figure out how to cover bills and expenses without either of our incomes, all because Congress failed to do the most basic part of its job. We show up and do our duty. Why can’t you? I expect a direct answer. Constituents like me deserve to know why we’re sacrificing while you remain insulated from the consequences of your inaction.