This legislation has moved forward, however, and we must also. I am relieved that the government will hopefully reopen soon. When it does, we must keep fighting for healthcare and fighting for a world with better choices.

That last part about immunity is unlike in almost every other case you hear about where someone sues the government. But of course this doesn’t apply to anyone else. You don’t get to sue for $500K under this provision if the government subpoenas your call records without telling you.

Americans don’t get affordable healthcare, but some GOP senators get to sue for $500K each because Jack Smith subpoenaed their call records. And the bill prevents the government from claiming qualified or sovereign immunity in response.

While it is minor in comparison to the healthcare crisis, I also want to note that this bill highlights the corruption and self-dealing we see too much of in Washington right now. The bill creates a private right of action (a way for people to sue) only for U.S. senators.

Because this legislation fails to help the millions of Americans who will soon struggle to afford health insurance; that is, it fails to achieve even part of what I understood we were fighting for, I would have voted no.

This is not an ordinary moment. It is a crisis. It is essential that we fight in whatever ways we can. Our elected officials owe this work to every one of us, but especially to those who have suffered most during this shutdown. Otherwise, what was the point?

Let’s be clear about who is responsible: we are here because of President Trump and those who do his bidding without question, a group that includes Rep. John McGuire.

This was a choice between, on the one hand, paying federal workers, feeding the hungry, and reducing the president’s immediate capacity for chaos and destruction; and, on the other, protecting healthcare. It was a choice we should not have had to make.

Fwiw, Seth and I donated online in addition to the food we dropped off, and I would encourage others to do the same if you can. Cash donations allow food banks to purchase in bulk and are the most effective way to help.

Nope! It’s very difficult for most of us in this district to see Rep. McGuire IRL.

It was a short time window without much notice—unsurprisingly, I didn't see anyone else there (aside from the congressman's staffer, who was very nice).

FWIW, I’ve never flown on a private jet, but the regular terminal at the Charlottesville airport is quite pleasant and the TSA officers there (who don’t actually appear to be pictured above 🤔) are great.