Dear neighbor,

It is now the third week of the Republican government shutdown. I joined my fellow House Democrats back in D.C. to work on behalf of the American people, fight to lower costs, and save healthcare.

Where were Republicans? On vacation.

Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House. House Republicans are afraid to do their jobs because they don’t want to swear in Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva, who would be the final Member needed to force a floor vote on the Epstein files.

They would rather see your healthcare costs massively increase and prolong the Republican shutdown than come back and vote on the Epstein files.

Your representative, no matter their political affiliation, was elected to serve you, not stay on vacation for 3 weeks straight. I am demanding House Republicans come back, work with Democrats, and stop this ridiculous Republican government shutdown.

DEADLINE FOR STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES: Submissions for the Congressional App Challenge are due October 30. For more information, visit here. Applications for my office’s Spring 2026 Internships are due October 31. To apply, visit this page.

My Los Angeles office can be reached at (323) 651-1040 if you need help with a federal agency, or you can visit our webpage here.

I look forward to updating you again soon.

Warmly,

Ted