Dear Friend,

I wanted to contact you about a potential government shutdown and my ongoing work to protect
vital services. Unfortunately, extreme conservatives are trying to force a shutdown, which
would begin on October 1, to further their far-right ideological agenda.

I am working hard right now to keep critical services that working families count on up and
running. Cancer research, Head Start, and Meals on Wheels are far too important for political
games. I am prepared to work with anyone, Republican or Democrat, to prevent a shutdown and
to protect these vital programs.

But, if extreme conservatives continue down this reckless path without seeking bipartisan
cooperation, I want you to know what you can expect.

Economic forecasters predict a shutdown will slow economic growth, jeopardizing the more than
13.5 million jobs created over the last two years. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
will be unable to process some mortgage loans and the Small Business Administration (SBA)
will be unable to serve business owners in our community.

An estimated 42,637 federal employees in Illinois — including approximately 5,863 in Illinois' 11th Congressional District — will be forced to go without a paycheck, with some even facing potential furloughs. 

Service members, federal law enforcement, and Border Patrol will remain on the job – but will be
forced to work without being paid. Disaster relief and environmental protection will be
stalled. Even food inspections to keep our meat and produce safe will be slowed down. Some
agencies will be shuttered entirely, with serious consequences for people who count on them.

My staff and I will continue working on your behalf and will remain available to assist you as
usual – although we may not be able to get answers from federal agencies that have been
shuttered.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to any of the numbers listed below. To receive further updates, please subscribe to my newsletter.

Sincerely,

Bill Foster
Member of Congress