1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern about the looming government shutdown and to urge you to push for genuine bipartisan negotiations to resolve this crisis. The current situation, where Republicans are proposing a 'clean' seven-week continuing resolution without engaging in meaningful dialogue with Democrats, is unacceptable and risks severe consequences for our nation. As your constituent, I believe that a government shutdown would be detrimental to our country, but I also understand that simply accepting the Republican proposal without addressing crucial issues is not a viable solution. The Democratic alternative, which includes extending health insurance subsidies and restoring Medicaid funding, addresses critical needs of the American people that cannot be ignored. The deadline of September 30th is rapidly approaching, and with lawmakers expected to be out for Rosh Hashanah until September 29th, time is of the essence. This urgency, however, should not be used as leverage to force through a one-sided proposal. Instead, it should motivate both parties to come to the negotiating table immediately. I am particularly concerned by the shift in strategy since March when Democratic leaders voted for a GOP funding bill to avoid a shutdown. This change indicates the severity of the current impasse and the need for a new approach. While some, like Senator John Fetterman, oppose a shutdown under any circumstances, I believe that standing firm for a fair, negotiated solution is crucial. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries have rightly pointed out that the Republican proposal fails to meet the needs of the American people. I ask you to support their stance and push for immediate, good-faith negotiations. A brief shutdown, while not ideal, may be necessary to demonstrate that Congress cannot be steamrolled and that bipartisan cooperation is essential. However, I urge you to exhaust all possibilities for negotiation before allowing a shutdown to occur. Please work tirelessly in the coming days to bring both parties to the table. Advocate for a funding measure that addresses critical issues like healthcare and Medicaid while also ensuring the continued operation of our government. The American people deserve nothing less than a Congress that can work together to solve problems, not create them.