By Ethan Faverino |

A group of 13 House Republicans, including Arizona’s Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), have issued a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), commending his leadership during the ongoing government shutdown and calling for immediate action to pass a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to reopen the government.

The lawmakers, led by Reps. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA) emphasized the urgent need to end the government shutdown, which is causing harm to American families, military personnel, federal law enforcement, border agents, and public servants who support veterans and seniors nationwide.

“Every day the shutdown continues to hurt the very people we were elected to serve,” the letter states. “Keeping the government closed helps no one and undermines the safety and stability of our country.”

The group opposes using the government funding debate to address healthcare issues, arguing that such tactics prolong the shutdown and distract from the immediate priority of restoring government operations.

The lawmakers stressed that Congress must focus on passing a CR to fund the government, as the House did on September 19, despite the Senate Democrats’ repeated rejection of the measure 11 times as of Monday, October 20th.

Once the government is reopened, the lawmakers urged Speaker Johnson to prioritize the expiration of the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits.

“We stand firmly behind you as you lead our Conference toward ending the government shutdown,” the lawmakers wrote. “Once the government is reopened, we are ready to work with you to advance healthcare solutions that protect families and lower costs.”

The letter shows the alignment with President Trump’s commitment to preserving healthcare access while addressing the affordability crisis caused by “short-sighted Democratic policymaking.”

“Let us be clear,” the lawmakers wrote. “Significant reforms are needed to make these credits more fiscally responsible and ensure they are going to the Americans who need them most. Our Conference and President Trump have been clear that we will not take healthcare away from families who depend on it. This is our opportunity to demonstrate that commitment through action.”

Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.