1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to prioritize the protection of healthcare subsidies for federal workers and their families before agreeing to reopen the government. As the spouse of a dedicated federal employee here in Virginia, I have a personal stake in this critical issue that affects thousands of families in our state and across the nation. The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026 (HR5371) currently under consideration fails to address the vital healthcare subsidies that federal workers depend on. These subsidies are not just numbers on a budget sheet; they represent the ability of hardworking Americans to access necessary medical care without financial ruin. My husband, like many federal employees, has chosen a career in public service out of a sense of duty to our country. However, this commitment should not come at the cost of our family's health and financial security. The potential loss of these healthcare subsidies would force many families like ours to make impossible choices between medical care and other essential needs. We understand the gravity of a government shutdown and the inconvenience it causes. However, the federal workers and their families of Virginia are willing to endure these short-term hardships to secure long-term protections for our healthcare benefits. This sacrifice demonstrates the importance we place on this issue and our commitment to the greater good of all Americans who rely on stable, affordable healthcare. I implore you to stand firm in negotiations. Do not allow the government to reopen without guaranteeing the protection of these crucial healthcare subsidies. The November 21, 2025 deadline for the continuing resolution provides ample time to negotiate a comprehensive solution that addresses both government funding and healthcare protections. Your position as our representative gives you the power to influence this critical decision. Please use your voice to advocate for the inclusion of strong, enforceable protections for healthcare subsidies in any agreement to reopen the government. This should include safeguards against future cuts or erosions of these benefits. The health and financial stability of thousands of Virginia families hang in the balance. By standing strong on this issue, you will be championing not just federal workers, but the principle that public service should not come at the expense of one's health or family's well-being. We are counting on your leadership to secure a resolution that protects the healthcare subsidies we depend on before agreeing to reopen the government.