1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

As I’m sure you’re aware, Congress must pass 12 appropriations bills to enact the 2026 budget. To date, the Republican-controlled Congress has passed zero bills—not a single one. Republicans can end the shutdown—in whole or in part—by proposing and passing one or more of the 12 appropriations bills. Because Republicans can’t even do that, they are asking Democrats to allow Trump to continue running the government without any oversight from Congress. By now, everyone should recognize that Republicans control Congress and can end the shutdown any time they choose. They can negotiate with Democrats on a bipartisan solution—which is how governing parties govern. Moreover, Republicans can override the filibuster at any time they choose by creating a carve-out for appropriations bills, which would require only 51 votes. In short, Democrats aren’t “causing” the shutdown. Republicans are. And the public is rightly holding the GOP and Trump responsible for the shutdown. An easy solution would be for the House and the Senate to pass the defense appropriations bill. That would require Republicans in Congress to do real work. It would also require the House to return to session, allowing a vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act! Please get back to work negotiating a bipartisan solution with democrats. It’s your job.