1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

The recent government shutdown has exposed critical vulnerabilities in our political system at both federal and state levels. This crisis, largely attributed to the failures of Donald Trump and the Republican Party, demands immediate legislative action to prevent future occurrences and mitigate their devastating impacts. At the federal level, we urgently need legislation that prevents government shutdowns and protects our economy from political brinkmanship. I call for a bill that automatically extends previous funding levels if a new budget isn't passed, ensuring the continuity of essential government services. Additionally, we must strengthen laws governing the separation of military and domestic law enforcement to prevent the alarming deployment of military forces in U.S. cities, which 61% of Americans and 70% of independents oppose. Equally important is action at the state level. In California, the support for Proposition 50, a redistricting initiative backed by 54% of voters, demonstrates the public's desire for fair representation. I urge you to champion similar initiatives in our state to ensure equitable political boundaries. Furthermore, we need state legislation that safeguards against the economic fallout of federal shutdowns. This could include establishing state-level emergency funds or programs to support affected workers and businesses during federal funding gaps. The political consequences of inaction are clear. In Virginia, Democratic Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger's lead in the governor's race signals a shift towards leadership that prioritizes stability and responsible governance. Our state must be at the forefront of this change. Recent polling from CBS News and YouGov reveals that nearly 40% of Americans blame Trump and the GOP for this crisis, with over half reporting worsened financial situations. These numbers underscore the urgent need for both federal and state-level protections against political mismanagement. I implore you to introduce or support legislation at both levels of government that addresses these critical issues. We need laws that prevent shutdowns, protect our economy, ensure fair representation, and maintain the proper use of our military. The stability of our democracy and the well-being of your constituents depend on your swift and decisive action.