While politicians in Washington bicker, thousands of federal workers across Pennsylvania are left without pay—and critical services like airport security and veterans' medical care are hanging by a thread.

TSA officers at Philadelphia International Airport are still screening passengers and scanning for explosives every day, but they haven’t been told when—or if—they’ll get their next paycheck. At the VA Medical Center in West Philly, more than 3,000 employees continue to care for our veterans, even as they brace for missed paydays and potential layoffs. These workers are doing their jobs, often in high-stress, high-risk roles, while worrying about how to pay their bills or keep their cars running to get to work.

If this shutdown continues, Pennsylvanians won’t just see their neighbors suffer. We could see delays and disruptions at airports, weakened security, and slower access to the medical services thousands rely on—especially veterans and low-income families.

Shutdowns may be a federal issue, but their effects are felt at the state and local level. That’s why we’re calling on Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania General Assembly to act now. Our state has the power to step in and offer emergency support—through no-interest loans, short-term relief grants, or other aid—to keep essential workers afloat and critical services running.

This is not a partisan issue. It’s a public safety issue. It’s an economic issue. And it’s a moral issue.

No one should have to choose between feeding their kids and showing up to protect an airport terminal. No veteran should lose access to care because the government can’t get its act together.

We, the undersigned, demand that Pennsylvania’s leaders take immediate action to:

• Provide financial assistance to unpaid federal workers in essential roles.
• Protect access to vital services that keep Pennsylvanians safe and healthy during the shutdown.

Let’s show that Pennsylvania stands with those who serve us—before this crisis gets worse.