Dear John,
Early this morning, the federal government entered a shutdown caused by a lapse in appropriated funds. First and foremost, I want you to know that my office remains fully operational and is ready to take your calls and provide constituent services.
I’m extremely disappointed that Republicans — who control the House, Senate, and the White House — have chosen a shutdown rather than negotiate with Democrats. Democrats have been willing to negotiate in good faith to address the healthcare affordability crisis. I have been very clear about what it would take to earn my vote:
- Extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits that make it possible for millions of Americans to access health care,
- Reverse Republicans’ devastating cuts to Medicaid,
- Ensure that Donald Trump can not make unilateral, illegal cuts to federal funding in the future.
It is particularly reprehensible that Trump and Republicans are choosing a shutdown that lets low-income women and children go hungry while Trump wastes millions of taxpayer dollars sending federal agents to Chicago. It could not be clearer that Republicans care more about political theater and spreading fear than they do about helping Americans.
I stand ready to negotiate with my colleagues across the aisle to reopen the government and protect health care.
Until then, my offices in Washington, D.C. and Chicago will remain fully operational throughout a government shutdown. You can continue to contact my offices to share concerns, ask questions, or get help with a federal agency. You can call my DC office at (202) 225-4061 or my Chicago office at (773) 267-5926. You can also email me through my website at Quigley.house.gov/contact. For the latest information on my work, follow @RepMikeQuigley across social media platforms.
