1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

The continuing resolution passed by Congress represents a concerning erosion of democratic norms and the separation of powers that underpins our system of government. While shutdown threats have been a regrettable political tactic in the past, the current administration's overreach and disregard for institutional checks and balances pose an existential risk to American democracy that cannot be condoned through routine legislative support. This resolution enables the executive branch to consolidate power at the expense of the legislative branch's constitutional authority over spending decisions. It cedes ground to an administration openly hostile to oversight and accountability. Passing this measure signals a normalization of the current administration's authoritarian trajectory that jeopardizes the foundations of our republic. Congress exists as a co-equal branch to check and balance the president, not to provide rubber stamp approval as core democratic principles are undermined. Difficult times call for moral courage to uphold one's oath to the Constitution over political expediency. Our elected representatives have a solemn duty to use their legislative powers to rein in this administration's abuses and reassert Congress's role before it is permanently diminished. This moment demands a principled rejection of attempts to further erode institutional safeguards and a clear message that subverting democracy will not be legitimized through business-as-usual lawmaking. I urge representatives to stand firm against any measure that consolidates unilateral executive control until a return to democratic norms is assured.