No President in our history has withheld SNAP benefits during a federal shutdown until now. People going hungry in this instance is a choice President Trump has made.

And let me be very clear: It's the wrong choice.

Science should be based in science – not politics. Anything else is dangerous. Folks, please talk to your doctor. Trust the experts and do what's right for you and your family.

If we can take the politics out of the core concerns of Americans, think about how much we could accomplish. Safe roads, good schools, quality health care and good-paying jobs aren't political – these are the things our people want and deserve.

Americans are tired of the chaos, incompetence and cruelty we've seen over the past few months. The job of leaders is to show up, put politics aside and get good things done for the people. That's what American families want and deserve.

The 'big, ugly bill' is going to hit rural America and every community across the United States. With hospitals closing, people being fired and higher costs for health care, we'll see fewer people going to local restaurants, shopping at businesses and more.

Health care is a basic human right, yet U.S. Senators voted yesterday to throw 200,000 Kentuckians off their health care and millions more across this country. Now, the lives of these people – our fellow Americans – are at risk. The job of a leader is to represent your people, not harm them.

80% of the things American families care about — a good job, health care, safe roads, good schools — aren’t partisan. We need bipartisanship, but we also need leaders to put politics aside for the things everyone agrees on.

If we focus on what matters, we can help our people live better lives.

The "big, ugly bill" will add trillions of dollars to our national debt, fire health-care workers, throw people off their health insurance, close rural hospitals and cause more people to go hungry.

There's nothing beautiful about a bill that will cost Americans their jobs, savings and health.

Cutting the LGBTQ+ youth option for the 988 Lifeline is just wrong. If this line can help save a life, it's worth it – especially when it comes to our youth.

The federal administration should be looking out for every American, not just a select few. Our people deserve better.

Americans do not pledge to an individual — we pledge our allegiance to our country and flag and commit to standing united against division. There is no patriotism in creating an 'us vs. them' mentality. We must remember, we are Americans before we're Democrats, Republicans or Independents.

This “big, ugly bill” is dangerous and will destroy rural health care. In Kentucky alone, 35 hospitals are under the threat of closing, stripping care from families, cutting jobs and crippling local economies. 1/2

Leaders must take responsibility for their words and actions. Disagreeing on something doesn't mean someone is evil or less of an American, and rhetoric like that is fueling violence that has no place in our country.

Even if you disagree with me, you're still my neighbor.