Friends,

I hope you’re doing well. I’m reaching out to update you on the latest with a potential government shutdown looming.

To catch you up quickly, the government must appropriate funding on an annual basis or risk a shutdown, which unleashes chaos on millions of federal employees and citizens that rely on key federal programs. While renewing funding was originally supposed to be accomplished by September 30, 2023, Congress has now passed THREE eleventh-hour continuing resolutions (CRs) to keep the government funded at existing spending levels. While it definitely beats a reckless government shutdown, CRs waste taxpayer money and don’t fund critical new priorities at the necessary levels. They aren’t a great way to govern.

Now, another deadline looms on Friday. If we don’t get something passed before then, we’ll be headed into a partial government shutdown, with a full government shutdown to come the following week. That means servicemembers and federal workers won’t get paid. Critical benefits programs will be suspended. National Parks could shutter. You might face delays at the airport as TSA and air traffic controllers work without pay.

Why are we in this position? Honestly, it’s because of unmitigated insanity in the House. Senate Republicans, Senate Democrats, House Democrats and the White House are all on the same page about avoiding the pointless stupidity of  a shutdown – but for months, House Republicans have chased down sham impeachments and floated completely unworkable solutions on spending instead of coming to the negotiating table in good faith. They’re also currently obstructing the passage of a thoroughly bipartisan foreign aid bill, threatening the future of America’s trust on the global stage.

I am pushing for us to legislate responsibly, pass real spending bills, and stop the complete dereliction of duty. Unfortunately, the Senate can’t do it alone, and we need the House to step up and actually take action. If they don’t, the blame for a painful, chaotic government shutdown – or the continued waste of taxpayer money in these endless CRs – will lay squarely at their feet.

If you’re interesting in getting in touch with me about government shutdowns or another issue that is important to you, I encourage you to reach out to me at the form on my Senate website. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely,