John,

Far-right extremists in Congress tried to hold our country hostage last weekend.

They have been deliberately trying to force a government shutdown, so they can push through outrageous demands that wouldn’t make it through Congress otherwise.

With just hours to go, we held the line against Republicans’ cruel cuts to essential programs. Congress voted to keep the government open and protect food assistance for mothers and babies in our communities.

We won a 45-day extension, continuing current funding levels for the government until November 17.

But Republicans aren’t stopping. This week, they’re starting votes again to try to cut critical services and inflict real harm on our neighbors.

If the government shuts down in 45 days, millions of children and parents will lose access to WIC nutrition assistance, millions of federal workers will be furloughed or forced to work without pay, and federal agencies operating key programs will be closed or operating at reduced capacity.

We can’t let this happen. We cannot continue to capitulate to a far-right Republican Party and their extreme demands while they inflict policy violence on working-class people. We must stand firm in the fight for everyday people.

Please sign if you agree: Extremist MAGA Republicans need to stop holding people’s lives, livelihoods, and our economy hostage. Congress must expand—not cut—essential government programs that everyday people rely on.

This spring, Republicans in Congress used the debt ceiling to try to negotiate an extreme pro-starvation agenda, cutting funding for food assistance programs.

In 2019, they forced another government shutdown, which lasted for 35 days.

Many of my colleagues in Congress are millionaires, and back in 2019 they were wondering why federal workers who had been furloughed were on food bank lines. They’re out of touch with the reality that most Americans live paycheck to paycheck.

Our constituents cannot risk another government shutdown. And any cuts to essential programs would devastate our communities.

Add your name if you agree: Congress must stand firm against MAGA extremists, and expand—not cut—essential government programs.

I was sent to Congress to do the people’s work. I promise to continue fighting for you, your family, and all of our communities across the country.

In solidarity,

Rashida