John,

Congress holds the distinct honor and duty of representing the will and voices of its people. So, when a faction, driven by extreme views, attempts to bring the government to a screeching halt, it's a blatant disregard for the principles our nation stands upon.

Right now, we are facing the possibility of yet another potential government shutdown, spearheaded by a group of Republican extremists. The question is: Will Congress exhibit the strength and resolve to stand up against this tactic before the September 30th deadline?

Democracy is a chess game of strategy, negotiation, and ultimately, collaboration. But what we're witnessing from Republicans is a brazen power play. Holding the government, and thereby the people, hostage is not democracy, it’s dictatorship.

This is not democracy, this is a dictatorship in disguise. It's time for them to hear from us. Send a direct message to your representative demanding they stand up to extremists in the House, avert a government shutdown, and invest in communities.

Every government shutdown in our history has come at a high cost, not just in terms of money, but in the disruption of essential services and the erosion of public trust. From veterans and military families to federal workers and everyday citizens relying on crucial government services -- the implications are far-reaching.

Already we’re seeing drastic cuts to nutrition programs like SNAP, millions of people being disenrolled from state Medicaid programs, and extremists in the House pushing deep cuts to services like Head Start, K-12 education, mental health services, and WIC.

The American people didn't elect Congress for gridlock and theatrics. They elected them to serve, to lead, to find common ground, and to act in the nation's best interest.

The clock is ticking, and the time for posturing has passed. We, the people, must raise our voices louder than ever. Let our representatives know that we demand they put the country over party, consensus over confrontation, and unity over division.

Tell Congress: Rise above the noise. Stand up to these extremist tactics. Secure the future of our nation and avert a government shutdown.

Together, we will hold extremists accountable.

- Amanda

Amanda Ford, Director
Democracy for America
Advocacy Fund