Dear Friend,

Donald Trump and Republicans in Washington chose to shut down the federal government and for more than a month, they have steadfastly refused to take any action that could resolve this crisis and restore critical programs, benefits, and services for North Carolina families.

I have convened a series of meetings with people in our community to learn more about how the government shutdown is affecting your daily lives. I'll always take your stories with me to D.C. as I continue fighting for North Carolina

Hosting a Telephone Town Hall

Hearing directly from the people I represent is the most important part of my job. That’s why I have hosted more town halls in 2025 than any other North Carolina Member of Congress. Our latest telephone town hall gave participants a chance to share their views and their stories about how the shutdown is affecting their families.

Protecting SNAP Benefits

The Inter-Faith Food Shuttle has served our community for more than 35 years. I visited with their team to learn more about how they are feeding families during this difficult time. With grocery prices already through the roof due to Trump’s tariffs, Republican cuts to food assistance programs are making the organization’s work even more urgent. Now, because of the shutdown, SNAP funding for more than 40 million Americans could be suspended, preventing many of our most vulnerable neighbors here in the Triangle from getting the support they need to feed their families.

In response to this threat, I joined over 200 of my colleagues in calling on the Department of Agriculture to act without delay and ensure that SNAP is funded. Hunger can't wait.

Meeting with Raleigh Parent whose Family Relies on Medicaid

I sat down with a Raleigh mother to hear about the impact of Medicaid cuts on her family. Her 9 year old son relies on Medicaid and receives constant care, but cuts at both the state and federal level are making it harder to find and keep qualified nurses.

Their story is a reminder of what’s at stake. I will continue to fight for North Carolinians who rely on Medicaid for life-saving care.

You can watch a clip of our conversation below.

Supporting Air Traffic Controllers at RDU

During the shutdown, essential workers like air traffic controllers are still on the job but are not getting paid. I brought coffee and donuts to thank our RDU controllers for their service during this stressful time.

These hardworking public servants are keeping passengers safe every day, and I will keep pressing Republicans in Congress to end this shutdown and support the workforce that keeps our country moving.

Fighting for Breast Cancer Research and Women's Healthcare

As Policy Task Force Co-Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC), I hosted a field hearing in Raleigh with DWC Chair Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández focused on breast cancer and women’s healthcare. We heard from caregivers and patients about how cuts to federal funding are imperiling life-saving research. I will keep fighting for affordable healthcare and for the scientists who are working to develop cures for deadly diseases right here in the Triangle.

One North Carolinian shared her own powerful story about undergoing cancer treatment while facing rising costs. Her story is a reminder of the real human impact behind these policies and why we must continue to invest in research and care.

Speaking Out at the Steering and Policy Hearings

While Republicans have kept Congress at a standstill during this shutdown, I have been in Washington fighting for the people of North Carolina.

As a member of the Steering and Policy Committee, I spoke out at a recent hearing about the consequences of Republican cuts to Medicaid and the care economy. These cuts are making it harder for patients to find qualified nurses and for caregivers to earn a fair wage.

You can watch my full remarks from the hearing below.

Sharing Your Stories

Throughout this shutdown, I've had the chance to hear from North Carolinians who are feeling the impact of Republican cuts in personal ways. Stories from constituents like Timothy, whose story you can read below, show exactly why this crisis must end now.

If you or your loved ones have been affected by the actions and policies of President Trump, please share your story with me using this link. I may be able to highlight your experience so that my colleagues and constituents understand the real impact of this shutdown. Your voice makes a difference.

If you have questions about my work in Congress or need help with a federal agency, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office. My team is here to assist. You can send me an email through my website or call my Raleigh office at (919) 334-0840. For updates on my work on behalf of our community, follow me on Facebook, BlueSky, and Instagram.

Very truly yours,

Deborah