UPDATE 10/28/2025: The National Air Traffic Controllers Union calls for an end to the shutdown.

UPDATE 10/28/2025: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has called on Congress to end the shutdown and fund livesaving programs like SNAP.

UPDATE 10/27/2025: The American Federation of Government Employees Union has called on Congress to pass the continuing resolution.

There is no reason to hold federal workers hostage.

Senators Kaine and Warner should vote to reopen the government and fight for health care subsidies, which don't expire until December 31, 2025. The health care subsidies will expire for those who make more than 400% of the federal poverty level (added temporarily during COVID) at the end of this year.

The health care subsidies WILL NOT expire for those who make under 400% and are covered by the original 2010 ACA law.

Minority Leader Schumer said on 10/9/2024 

“Every day gets better for us [DEMOCRATS]. It’s because we’ve thought about this long in advance and we knew that health care would be the focal point on Sept. 30 and we prepared for it. … Their whole theory was — threaten us, bamboozle us, and we would submit in a day or two,” 

Urge Senators Kaine and Warner to reopen the government and advocate for subsidies for individuals earning more than 400% of the federal poverty rate. You can do both.

ORIGINAL PETITION

In Virginia, thousands of federal employees rely on consistent paychecks to support their families, pay their bills, and provide for their families' basic needs. 

These are hardworking individuals who have dedicated their lives to public service, ensuring the efficiency and safety of our nation. It is both unfair and unsettling that these same workers face financial uncertainty due to Congressional gridlock.

Currently, Congress is faced with the decision to pass a continuing resolution to ensure that the government remains funded and that employees continue to receive their pay.  The House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution, and it is now up to the U.S. Senate.

Without this resolution, Virginia's federal workers and countless others across the nation will face undue hardship.

I am specifically calling upon Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, both of whom have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment to Virginia's working families, to vote in favor of the continuing resolution that passed the House so federal workers will receive their paychecks instead of being furloughed.

By supporting this measure, they can ensure our community's stability and financial security while Congress seeks a broader consensus on the budget.

There are serious issues, including healthcare subsidies, Medicare and Medicaid cuts, and other concerns, that need to be addressed.  Congress can do two things at once - pass a short-term funding bill and work on an agreement to fund the government for the remainder of FY2026.

Our elected officials should not hold federal workers hostage while they are continuing to receive their own paychecks.

By signing this petition, you are standing with Virginia's federal workforce and advocating for the necessary financial and health protections that every hardworking American deserves. Encourage our Senators to make the right choice for Virginia. Demand action now.

Sign and share to show your support for Senator Tim Kaine and Senator Mark Warner to vote for the Continuing Resolution and bring our federal employees back to work so they can support their families.