Friend – if Republicans "don't bother" working with Democrats to settle on a short-term bill to fund the government just because Donald Trump told them so, they're about to have a far bigger issue on their hands than just a shutdown.

People in Washington state, and across the country, are going to get letters in the mail next month letting them know their premiums are set to skyrocket next year. Hospitals are already closing and laying off staff.

The other week, I introduced a commonsense bill to protect Congress' power of the purse, repeal the cuts, lower costs, save folks' health care, and avert a shutdown. Senate Republicans voted it down – then skipped town early.

If you agree that Republicans have no one else to blame for a government shutdown but themselves, sign my petition now.

We have to send a message loud and clear to Senate Republicans: Start doing your job and work with Democrats on a deal to keep the government open and prevent Americans’ premiums from skyrocketing. So I need your help – and signature.

Thanks for being in this fight,

Patty