Hi John.

The federal government has been shut down for 33 days now.

I know people are very frustrated. This shutdown is causing real harm to hardworking Kansans.

That includes federal workers, aviation professionals, our troops, and many others who aren't getting a paycheck or are at risk of going unpaid. In solidarity with them, I’m refusing to accept my paycheck until both parties end this crisis.

It’s time for a bipartisan solution to reopen our government and stop skyrocketing health insurance premiums. As that crucial work continues, I’m continuing to do everything I can to make a difference for Kansans.

Here’s a new update on how I’m working for you:

Ensuring Safe Air Travel During the Shutdown

Kansans depend on a safe, reliable aviation system to travel for work, visit family, or for package deliveries. Unfortunately, many aviation employees, including air traffic controllers, are working but not getting paid.

That’s why I’m supporting new legislation to ensure the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can keep operating. This means paying employees even during a government shutdown.

I recently met with Todd Mariani, who retired earlier this year after decades as an air traffic controller. He served as Kansas City’s air traffic controller union president during the 2018–2019 shutdown.

Aviation workers are dedicated public servants. No one should have to go weeks without pay due to partisan gridlock in Washington.

That’s why I’m also supporting bipartisan legislation to make sure active-duty service members receive their pay as well.

Supporting Public Servants

I’ve made it a point to meet with federal employees who are being affected by the ongoing shutdown. Recently, I heard from several workers who were furloughed without pay.

Our discussion centered on how the shutdown is straining Kansas families, disrupting local economies, and threatening essential public services.

Furloughed federal workers who participated in my conversation included employees from the Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Labor. Each shared how the shutdown has affected their families and workplaces. 

My mom is an Army veteran and raised my brothers and me on her own. If she missed even one paycheck, it could’ve meant choosing between keeping the lights on or putting food on the table.

That’s the reality so many federal workers in the Kansas City area are facing right now. They shouldn’t be caught in the crossfire of D.C. politics.

Please click here to get answers to your questions about the shutdown and find resources that can help you.

Making Housing More Affordable

And while I keep pushing to reopen the government, I also remain focused on my top priority: lowering your costs.

Groceries, health care – everything is just too expensive these days.

So recently, I released my new Housing Affordability Agenda. It's about bringing both parties together to lower rent and mortgages for hardworking Kansans.

Click here to learn more about my plan to bring more affordable housing to Kansas.

My Housing Affordability Agenda endorses seven bills that aim to lower housing costs by increasing the supply of housing and growing the number of innovative financial products available to buyers and renters.

Every Kansan deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.

But across Kansas, there is a shortage of affordable rental homes. Many families are spending more than half of their monthly income on housing.

By building more homes and expanding access to affordable financing, we can help families put down roots and strengthen our communities.

Please click here to visit davids.house.gov/lowercosts to find resources that can help make your life more affordable. That includes help with groceries, health care, housing, and more.



My job is to serve you – regardless of party. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

My warmest regards,

Sharice L. Davids
Member of Congress

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