1. United States
2. Ga.
3. Letter

Dear Senator [Last Name], I am writing as a constituent deeply concerned about the ongoing government shutdown, now entering its 16th day. While I appreciate the difficult position the Senate is in, I urge you and your colleagues to pass a clean continuing resolution (CR) immediately to restore government operations and protect our nation’s public servants, programs, and infrastructure. At this point, this shutdown is no longer about negotiation, it’s about survival. The rule of law is what they are betting on. They don’t care to go to court and saying that isn’t helpful to people who are currently afraid of loosing their jobs/careers. The senate continues to waste taxpayer money voting on the same measures, while federal employees go without pay, essential services are suspended, and public health agencies like CDC are being severely impacted. These are not faceless bureaucrats, they are dedicated professionals with families, working to protect our families. I understand the policy disagreements around subsidies, but the reality is this: if the CR and the healthcare provisions aren’t passed this week or early next week, it won’t matter. Insurance premiums are finalized by November 1, when open enrollment begins. Every day of delay means real people will lose coverage, options, and financial protection. What’s happening now doesn’t just hurt the workforce, it undermines other protections like prevention, health equity, and the systems designed to keep our nation safe. We get healthcare is important but the house isn’t in session and there isn’t anything else you can do. You are not forcing any hands but now people are losing more than just healthcare, federal employees are being gutted (adding to the health insurance issues and also unemployment) and also making it even worse health conditions. Federal employees are already struggling in an uncertain job market. Many have endured hiring freezes, layoffs (4 times in 9 months?!?), a shooting at CDC, called criminals, and public distrust. To now face an unending furlough and potential layoffs because of political gamesmanship is unjust and damaging to national stability. We cannot afford to lose experienced public servants or the infrastructure that supports their work. This shutdown is hurting: • Public health – CDC’s work in disease prevention and outbreak response is disrupted. • Healthcare access – Subsidies and protections for families are now at risk. • Federal stability – Morale and retention across the government are collapsing. • Taxpayers – Each day of shutdown wastes millions while halting the very services our taxes fund. Continue to stand firm in protecting our workforce, but act swiftly. Work across the aisle to pass a clean CR and stabilize the federal government. Let’s end the theater and focus on what matters, real lives, real work, and the future of our country. Thank you for your service and continued leadership during this difficult time.