John, did you see me on MSNBC's Morning Joe show this morning? I went on to discuss the House GOP's latest budget proposal and why I know that the GOP is trying to drive us straight into a shutdown.

First and foremost, let me be clear: The proposal put forward by House Republicans wasn't created because they thought progressive Democrats like me would agree to their far-right demands. It was created to get the government to shut down. 

I serve on both the Appropriations Committee and the House Budget Committee, and I can confirm that each one of the bills that the House Republicans have put forward were riddled with things that they knew we would never agree to.

From denying access to reproductive health care for our people in uniform to defunding diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to banning the pride flag at federal buildings, House Republicans are stuffing their budget proposals with far-right poison pills that have nothing to do with the budget.

They know progressive fighters like me will never sign off on those measures, and that's exactly what they want.

Well, I refuse to let the GOP get away with this. That's why I'm fighting hard to negotiate a budget proposal made in good faith that averts another catastrophic shutdown.

And if you help send me to the Senate, this is exactly what you'll get: a battle-tested progressive fighter who will never be bullied into submission by the GOP. Right now, things are picking up in my race for California's Senate seat, so I have to ask:

Will you donate any amount you can spare to my campaign so I can bring my unwavering fight for progress to the Senate?

– Barbara Lee