1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

The recent start of the war in Iran is only a distraction from at least three important issues facing the country. Back at the first government shut-down, the Republicans promised a vote on extending health care subsidies. This is a critical and life-saving measure for so many Americans. To my knowledge, this has not yet happened. The current partial shut-down is over crucial reforms to ICE tactics in order to receive continued funding for DHS. Finally, and as ever, the Epstein Files and the participation of many higher government officials, and indeed the President have not been able to be fully investigated. Please do not neglect your duties in completing these tasks - the White House will simply send along other distractions if you don’t. And oh yes, what’s happening in Venezuela? We are rapidly becoming a laughing stock, and without power or influence both amongst our close allies and our enemies. Please do your jobs as an independent branch of government, and don’t just knuckle under to whatever the President asks.