Reopen Government to Protect National Security and Federal Workers

The ongoing government shutdown has reached a critical point, jeopardizing our national security and causing undue hardship to federal employees. It has become the longest full funding lapse in U.S. history, with dire consequences for our nuclear security infrastructure. The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), responsible for managing our nuclear weapons stockpile, is being forced to furlough approximately 1,400 employees—80% of its workforce. This unprecedented reduction leaves only 375 essential staff members to maintain critical safety operations, including monitoring nuclear materials to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands and ensuring reactor safety for navy vessels. The suspension of most scientific research, stockpile maintenance, and global security programs at NNSA will inevitably cause delays in sensitive national defense projects. This situation is untenable and poses a significant risk to our national security. Furthermore, hundreds of thousands of federal employees across various agencies remain either furloughed or working without pay. This not only affects their personal lives but also hampers the functioning of essential government services. Our national security and the well-being of hardworking federal employees should not be bargaining chips in political negotiations. The reported attempts to shuffle money around to pay the military are not only insufficient but potentially illegal. A comprehensive solution is needed—one that fully funds the government and ensures ALL federal employees receive their due compensation. Additionally, it is crucial that newly elected members of Congress be sworn in without delay. I urge you to work towards reopening the government immediately.