1. United States
2. R.I.
3. Letter

As the federal government shutdown continues, I urge you to stand firm in demanding concrete action on health care as part of any funding agreement. This is a critical moment for Democrats to demonstrate their commitment to working-class Americans and their willingness to fight for essential services. The current shutdown underscores the urgency of our situation. We cannot afford a repeat of March's negotiations, where concessions were made without securing vital health care protections. The stakes are too high, with millions at risk of losing coverage and others facing increased premiums. Rep. Greg Casar, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, has rightly pointed out that this is an opportunity to show voters what Democrats truly represent. Recent progressive polling indicates that Democratic voters support lawmakers who are willing to endure a shutdown to fight for health care. This isn't about partisan politics; it's about the well-being of our constituents. We must reject the Republican framing of this issue as simply "Medicaid for undocumented immigrants" and focus on the broader impact on all Americans' access to affordable health care. Donald Trump's threats to lay off federal workers expose the dangerous Republican plan and underscore the importance of our stance. By leaning into economic populism and demonstrating our commitment to fighting for working-class people, we can differentiate ourselves and show voters what we stand for. I implore you to reject any compromise that doesn't include tangible action on health care. This is the time for a real fight, not a symbolic one. Our constituents are counting on us to protect their access to health care, and we must not let them down. Stand strong, demand concrete health care concessions, and show the American people that Democrats are willing to fight for their fundamental rights and well-being. The shutdown is already upon us – let's use this moment to secure meaningful victories for the American people.