|   Hello John,    It’s outrageous that those serving our country almost went without pay because Congress couldn’t do its job. 
  Here’s what happened: The Trump administration moved funds from elsewhere, but those are running out — and future paychecks aren’t guaranteed. 
  Congress’ budget process is a mess. Year after year, politicians drag us to the brink with bloated spending bills, putting troops’ pay and veterans’ care at risk.
  Extended shutdowns erode Americans’ trust in our government.    This hurts real people:    - Active-duty troops face potentially delayed paychecks, forcing military families to make impossible decisions, like paying the electric bill or buying medication.
  - Critical military support services, like Defense Department school staffs and day care workers, have NOT been paid since the shutdown began.
  - Undermining military families undermines military readiness. 
 It also ceases crucial services like career counseling and closes Veterans Affairs benefits regional offices.    This is just the latest proof that Washington is broken.    There’s a better way to fix Washington’s mess. In an article for The Hill, my colleague Will Burger shared two reforms that would finally hold Congress accountable.    The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act:    - Keeps Congress working until all spending bills are done — no more skipping town. Follows successful state models to protect military pay, veterans’ benefits, and essential public services.
    The Comprehensive Congressional Budget Act:   - Ends last-minute spending chaos by replacing broken budget rules. Gives taxpayers transparency and restores Congress’ control over how money is spent.
    Shutdowns hurt real people. With your help, we can hold Congress accountable, ensuring all Americans have a government that works.    🔍 If you want to go deeper, read Will’s article in The Hill.   |