1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I am writing because I just saw reporting that ten Senate Democrats may be preparing to compromise on the shutdown in exchange for only a promise of a future vote. I sincerely hope you are not among them. Democrats won decisively in the midterms because voters responded to leadership that stood strong in defense of democracy and against authoritarianism. To back down now, especially for a promise from counterparts who have repeatedly acted in bad faith, would be a serious mistake. It would undermine the voters who put their trust in you and weaken the moral clarity that brought us to this moment. Please hold the line. We are counting on you to protect both your constituents and the principles at stake. I urge you to stand firm.