Friend --

There's been a lot of talk about whether Congress will pass a budget by the end of this month -- or instead, as some have called for, let the government shut down.

I want to spell out exactly what a shutdown would mean:

Nearly all federal programs -- and the people they work for -- would suffer. We're talking delayed military pay and veterans' benefits. Shutting down Head Start centers, and Meals on Wheels programs. Delayed applications for new Social Security enrollments, and loans for students and small businesses.

One thing is clear: Shutting down the government will hurt the American people.

Add your name -- tell Congress that shutting down the government isn't an option:

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When some members of Congress talk about a government shutdown, they frame it as a viable bargaining chip -- just part of the debate over the budget.

The truth is, a government shutdown will shutter crucial services the American people depend on and wreak havoc with our economy.

and he's said he's willing to hear new ideas from people on both sides of the aisle. The budget Congress passes needs to continue to grow the economy from the middle out.

So far in this debate, though, some members of Congress have shown they're just not serious about doing right by the people they represent.

Our elected officials shouldn't use the economy, the budget, or even the threat of taking away health care from millions of Americans just to score political points with their base.

Add your name now -- and tell Congress to avoid a government shutdown and pass a smart budget:

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Lindsay

Lindsay Siler National Director of Issue Campaigns Organizing for Action

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