1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I urge you to vote against the proposed Senate deal to end the government shutdown. While I understand the desire to reopen the government after 40 days, this compromise falls short on a critical issue: the extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. The current deal, brokered between Senate GOP leaders, the White House, and Democratic centrists, fails to include an immediate extension of ACA subsidies. Instead, it only promises a vote on extending these subsidies by the second week of December. This is not enough. These subsidies are vital for millions of Americans who rely on them to access affordable healthcare. While the deal does include some positive elements, such as reversing Trump's firings of federal employees during the shutdown and ensuring food stamp funding through fiscal year 2026, it concedes too much without securing our healthcare priorities. The impact of losing ACA subsidies would be devastating for many of your constituents who depend on them for their health insurance. I recognize the pressure to end the shutdown, given its wide-ranging impacts. Major airlines have reduced flights due to FAA-mandated cuts and air traffic control staffing issues. Food banks have seen increased demand, and schools relying on federal impact aid have been affected. However, we must not sacrifice long-term healthcare stability for short-term relief. I implore you to stand firm with the Senate Democratic leaders and progressive groups who have expressed opposition to this compromise. Vote no on this deal and demand the inclusion of ACA subsidy extensions before agreeing to end the shutdown. Your constituents' health and financial security are at stake. Please prioritize the continuation of ACA subsidies in any deal to reopen the government. The consequences of not doing so could be far more costly in the long run than extending the shutdown to secure this crucial provision.