Herbert,

With less than two weeks left before Congress’ budget deadline, House Republicans finally dropped their plan — and it’s the same partisan stunt pushing us toward a government shutdown we’ve seen before.

Their bill:

• Fails to lower costs for hardworking families
• Offers zero protection against more Trump rescissions -- including funding approved for Baltimore's Key Bridge
• Rips away healthcare from millions

Passing a budget is the bare minimum Congress should do. Another shutdown would be a disaster, especially for tens of thousands of Maryland civil servants who could lose their paychecks.

I’m ready to work with Republicans — but only if it helps Marylanders, not hurts them.