Stand Firm on Healthcare Rights and Transgender Care

I am writing to urge you to stand firm in the ongoing negotiations regarding the government shutdown and healthcare funding. The current situation, which is set to become the longest shutdown in U.S. history, is deeply concerning. However, compromising on essential healthcare rights, including those for transgender individuals, is not an acceptable solution. The debate within the Senate Democratic caucus about whether to continue fighting for a guaranteed outcome or to settle for less is troubling. Our healthcare rights, particularly those related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and transgender care, are non-negotiable. These are fundamental human rights that affect millions of Americans, including your constituents. While I understand the pressure from President Trump's threats to cut federal food assistance and the potential for airspace shutdowns, giving in to these tactics would set a dangerous precedent. It would signal that essential rights can be bargained away under duress. The Republicans' openness to extending ACA subsidies with reforms and a gradual winddown of the program is not sufficient. This approach could leave many Americans, including those requiring specialized care such as transgender individuals, vulnerable to loss of coverage or increased healthcare costs in the future. I strongly urge you to maintain your position and fight for a resolution that fully protects and preserves our current healthcare rights. This includes ensuring that any funding bill guarantees the continuation of enhanced subsidies for Americans enrolled in the ACA, without any compromise on coverage for transgender care or other essential health services. The health and well-being of your constituents depend on your unwavering support for comprehensive healthcare coverage. Please do not vote to reopen the government at the expense of our healthcare rights. Stand firm in your commitment to protect all Americans' access to quality, affordable healthcare, including the specific needs of the transgender community.