1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the recent decision to end the government shutdown without securing crucial healthcare protections, particularly the extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. This move, supported by eight Senate Democrats and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, represents a significant strategic misstep that weakens our position in negotiations and potentially jeopardizes the healthcare of millions of Americans. The timing of this capitulation is particularly troubling. With recent election results favoring Democrats, we had a moment of leverage that could have been used to protect and strengthen our healthcare system. Instead, this decision plays directly into the hands of those who seek to dismantle the ACA and strip away essential healthcare protections. By ending the shutdown without meaningful guarantees for healthcare, we risk emboldening those who oppose affordable healthcare access. This not only damages our party's credibility but also puts the well-being of countless Americans at risk. The ACA tax credits are a lifeline for many, making health insurance affordable and accessible. Without their extension, we face the real possibility of a surge in uninsured rates and increased financial burdens on working families. I urge you to take immediate action to rectify this situation. We need courageous leadership that will stand firm in protecting healthcare access. Specifically, I ask that you: 1. Publicly commit to making the extension of ACA tax credits a non-negotiable priority in upcoming legislative discussions. 2. Work with your colleagues to introduce standalone legislation for extending these crucial tax credits. 3. Use your position to advocate for new Democratic leadership that will effectively oppose attempts to undermine our healthcare system. The American people deserve representatives who will fight tirelessly for their right to affordable healthcare. This recent decision has shaken my confidence in our current leadership's ability to do so. I implore you to take a stand, demonstrate that our party is committed to protecting healthcare access, and work towards meaningful reform that puts the needs of constituents first. Your immediate action on this matter is not just requested; it is essential for the health and financial security of millions of Americans. I look forward to seeing concrete steps taken to address this critical issue.