Re: “Largest federal workers union calls for ‘clean’ bill to end shutdown” (Oct. 27, Nation & World):
Every day this shutdown drags on, hundreds of Washingtonians really feel the pressure — unpaid federal employees, anxious vacationers and households watching food-assistance advantages run dry. None of that brings us nearer to well being care reform or a fairer price range; it simply punishes the individuals who preserve us protected or are essentially the most weak.
The Home already handed a clear persevering with decision to revive funding at present ranges, and the president has mentioned he’ll signal it. Even the American Federation of Authorities Workers, the nation’s largest federal employees union, is urging Congress to move the clear CR and finish the shutdown now. Some Senate Democrats agree — however not sufficient. The obstruction falls squarely on Senate Democrats, together with Washington’s Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, who’ve voted a number of instances to not advance the invoice.
Republicans are sometimes accused of eager to “burn authorities down.” It is unnecessary for Democrats to repeat that playbook — it solely undermines their very own argument that efficient authorities generally is a drive for good. The surest option to show that time is to manipulate: reopen the federal government first, then debate the remaining.
Travis Prescott, Renton
