Engage in Bipartisan Discussion to End the Government Shutdown

As a current medical student and a future provider in this state I am deeply concerned about the health care implications of the current government shutdown and the broader budget negotiations. I strongly urge you to prioritize funding and policies that safeguard health care access, particularly for the most vulnerable. We are placing our trust in you, as elected officials, to work in our best interest now more than ever. The current shutdown puts federally funded health care programs at risk, programs that constituents in your rural and underserved areas rely on to stay healthy and protect their families. A majority of Americans support extending the subsidies and tax credits that are currently in contention. I respectfully request that you co-sponsor and vote yes on H.R. 5145, the Bipartisan Premium Tax Credit Extension Act, or strongly support amendments to the continuing resolution that adopt its provisions to prevent a sudden, drastic increase in premiums.  As someone training in medicine with an interest in underserved populations I can see how fragile access to care is in our communities. Health care funding and Americans’ income should not remain hostage to deadlines or unrelated policy fights. We are risking further harm to patients, hospitals, and the communities that you are responsible for advocating for. I hope you will act swiftly to protect health care, reopen the government, and engage in respectful debate with those across the aisle from you.