Dear john,

As we mark the second week of the Republican government shutdown, I'm hearing more and more from our neighbors in Georgia about what it means for them. I am committed to standing up for your health care and that of millions of Americans—and finding a way to re-open the government. If you would be impacted by increases in health care costs, we want to hear from you. You may request to remain anonymous if desired.

Please share your story with my team here.

As we continue to navigate this unprecedented government shutdown, I joined health care advocates to sound the alarm on the stakes if these savings aren't extended. Watch a clip from WSB Channel 2:

Or watch my interview with 11Alive and hear my message to Republican leadership:

Attacks on federal funding are already putting a strain on food banks across America.

With the threat of missed paychecks for thousands of federal workers in Atlanta looming, food assistance for our community is at the top of my mind. I had the opportunity to visit the Atlanta Community Food Bank and express my gratitude for their work—especially now.

Our vulnerable populations are some of the most at risk if important programs have a lapse in funding during a shutdown. This week, I led Georgia’s Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives in sending a letter to Governor Brian Kemp urging him to take all possible steps—and publicly commit— to using state funds to make that there are no interruptions to the WIC programs that help families and children get the nutrition they need.

Thank you for staying up to date with my office during this uncertain time. For more local updates, please visit my social media platforms.