Friend,

I wish that I had better news to report. Republicans are still refusing to negotiate with Democrats, protect access to health care, and reopen the government.

That means federal employees across the country are working without pay as you read this email. Air traffic controllers, TSA agents, and even members of the military are serving our nation knowing that they won't receive a paycheck next week.

If federal employees have to work without pay, then so should Members of Congress. That's why I'll donate my salary during this pay period to nonprofits in our community that are dedicated to keeping families healthy.

I'm sitting here in Washington, ready and eager to negotiate with my Republican colleagues. Our position is clear: we will not vote for a budget that takes away healthcare for working families. Under President Trump's plan, premiums will more than double next year, costing Connecticut families about $400 million per year. Individual households could see their premiums increase by over $30,000.

The White House is eager to distract you from this fact. They've spread misinformation about undocumented immigrants, despite the fact that the healthcare marketplace created under the Affordable Care Act only allows citizens or lawfully present individuals to enroll in care.

I'll keep trying to end this shutdown by showing up to work, just like federal workers across our state and country. And in solidarity with those workers, I'll go without pay this period, too.

— Jim