1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

America is in another government shutdown—not because of real budget disagreements, but because the president and congressional leadership have chosen to not negotiate. The real priorities at stake are what the American people care about: affordable healthcare, secure Medicare and Medicaid, protecting public health, and continuing critical medical research. Those are issues worth negotiating. Instead of engaging with each other leadership has decided to take the easy route of doing nothing. Now the White House has escalated even further. Agencies have been told to prepare not just for furloughs but for permanent firings if the government shuts down. This reckless move is intended to intimidate public servants and punish institutions Trump deems disloyal. Experts already warn that such firings are legally and logistically impossible on short notice, revealing yet another hollow threat designed to generate fear, not solutions. A shutdown is a sign of a large problem. Congressional leadership have chosen to not do their jobs and let federal workers, their communities, and the country down. The solution is clear. Negotiate! Protect Americans health and pass a budget. This is the moment to do what Congress is meant for. Pass laws for the will of the people. People want healthcare protects AND a budget. Get to the drawing board, negotiate and pass a budget.