John,

Before I get into the latest from Washington, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you. With your support, we met our end-of-quarter fundraising goal and are in a strong position in the battle to keep CA-27 blue and flip the House majority.

Now, let’s turn to the pressing news: In the first early hours of October, Republicans forced a government shutdown – despite controlling the House, Senate, and the presidency.

Unfortunately, Republican leadership refused to come to the table and negotiate with Democrats. I am deeply concerned about the effects of the healthcare cuts that are in the crosshairs of this shutdown.

Under the current budget, 25,000 people in our district will see their healthcare costs rise dramatically if Republican leadership allows the ACA tax credits to expire. 40,000 people in our district will lose their healthcare coverage entirely because of the huge cuts to Medicaid.

That is what I am fighting against. I will not support any budget that stands to hurt the people that I was elected to represent. We must come together to protect healthcare for American families and other critical services they need.

Because of the shutdown, thousands of federal workers and active duty military will go without pay. That’s unacceptable, and members of Congress shouldn’t be paid during the shutdown, either. It’s why I’m donating my Congressional salary during this time to local CA-27 chapters of Meals on Wheels. And it’s why I’m pushing for the No Pay for Congress During Default or Shutdown Act, barring Congress from getting paid during a lapse of federal funding.

I am hopeful we can come to an agreement, but until then, I remain steadfast in my mission to fight for working families, students, seniors, veterans, and more in Washington.

Thank you,

George