I was pleased to see that you asked to have your pay withheld during the government shutdown, as well as sending a letter of support for keeping the national parks managed.
I wish these band-aid solutions were coming with a similar bipartisan push to end the shutdown. I was dismayed to see that you did not join your colleagues in voting for bills that would open up the government again. Nor have you spoken publicly about what you want to have happen to reopen the government.
Right now our president is throwing a hissy fit about border security. Republicans have the responsibility to put the citizens they represent over the party to which they belong. Trump's behavior does not serve the best interest of the country, of Utah or your specific district. Meanwhile, the livelihoods, the safety and the security of Utahns is in grave jeopardy.
So I would like to know why you did not vote for bills that would reopen the government. Do you put Trump’s agenda over the good of your constituents?
You did not respond to my last letter on this matter, and your actions have not demonstrated that you are taking this major shutdown seriously. I would appreciate a demonstration that this matter is something you are going to work across the aisle to resolve quickly.
Please don't let the Republicans sink back into the partisan mire of the party of “No.” Be the change.
Joseph Russo, Sandy