1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I urge you to vote NO on the Republican spending bill that would keep the government open through September 2025. While avoiding a shutdown is important, this bill includes problematic provisions that must be rejected. It provides a substantial increase in defense spending while underfunding crucial domestic priorities like education, healthcare, and efforts to combat climate change. Moreover, the bill's largest pay raise for junior enlisted troops in over 40 years is an attempt to garner support from our brave servicemembers while obscuring its broader shortcomings. Furthermore, we cannot allow Republicans to pivot to the reconciliation process as a way to force through their unpopular agenda of cutting vital programs and services that millions of Americans rely on. Reconciliation was intended for deficit reduction, not as a tool to unilaterally remake government based on the majority party's wishes. The American people deserve a responsible spending package that upholds our priorities and values, not one that tilts heavily towards defense while neglecting domestic needs. I implore you to reject cloture on this flawed legislation and any efforts to circumvent regular order through reconciliation. Our constituents are counting on us to fight for their interests. Turning a blind eye to this bill's deficiencies would be a dereliction of our duty.