Congresswoman Luz Rivas leads Freshman Democrats to Demand Meeting with Speaker Johnson on Republican Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29), Freshman Representative to Leadership for the 119^th Congress, led 23 of her House Democratic Freshman colleagues to demand a meeting with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson to hear constituents' stories from across the country who are negatively impacted by Republicans' government shutdown.

"As the Freshmen Democratic class of the 119^th Congress, we are requesting a meeting with you to hear firsthand how our constituents are affected by this Republican government shutdown," the Members wrote. "From California to Louisiana to New York, the stories we hear from our constituents highlight a nationwide healthcare and affordability crisis, and they are relying on us to address it."

Because of Republicans' inaction to reopen the government, a family of four in California's 29^th District making $129,800 would see their healthcare costs increase by an average of $6,174. Meanwhile, a 60-year-old couple making $82,000 would see their healthcare costs increase by an average of $13,783.

The Members continued: "Since the Republican government shutdown started, we have met with our constituents affected through furloughs or increased 2026 healthcare premium costs. We have heard from hospitals and healthcare clinics who are scared about how to keep their clinic's doors open."

A full copy of the letter can be found here. Constituent stories can be found here.

Background:

On October 30, 2025 - one month into the Republican Government Shutdown - Congresswoman Rivas personally hand-delivered the letter and constituent stories to Speaker Mike Johnson directly. In her conversation with the Speaker, she raised the concerns of working families who are struggling during the Republican Government Shutdown, and demanded a meeting. Speaker Johnson agreed to meet with Congresswoman Rivas. See the interaction here.

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