1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

As a furloughed federal employee, I'm acutely aware of the hardships caused by the ongoing government shutdown. Despite the personal financial strain, I urge you to vote against the current continuing resolution that fails to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. This issue is so critical that I'm willing to endure further sacrifice to ensure these vital healthcare subsidies are protected. The recent 41-day shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, has already caused significant disruption. While I appreciate efforts to reopen the government and reverse layoffs for 4,000 federal workers like myself, we cannot ignore the looming expiration of ACA subsidies on December 31. The Senate's 60-40 vote to advance legislation ending the shutdown demonstrates a willingness to compromise across party lines. However, this compromise falls short by not addressing the urgent need to extend ACA tax credits. Millions of Americans, including many of your constituents, rely on these subsidies to access affordable healthcare. Their expiration could lead to a widespread healthcare crisis. The current proposal to delay action until a December vote is woefully inadequate. It creates unnecessary uncertainty for families and individuals who depend on these subsidies to maintain their health coverage. We need decisive action now, not more delays that jeopardize people's well-being and financial stability. By voting against this continuing resolution, you can send a clear message that healthcare affordability is non-negotiable. I implore you to push for an immediate extension of ACA tax credits as part of any government funding agreement. This approach would not only protect constituents' access to healthcare but also prevent potential economic instability caused by a sudden increase in healthcare costs for many Americans. As someone directly impacted by the shutdown, I understand the importance of reopening the government. However, I firmly believe that ensuring continued access to affordable healthcare through ACA subsidies is equally crucial. Please prioritize the long-term health and financial security of your constituents over short-term solutions. Vote no on this continuing resolution and demand the inclusion of ACA tax credit extensions. The time for action is now – we cannot afford to wait until December when millions of Americans' healthcare hangs in the balance.