Congress is back in Washington, D.C.!
When lawmakers head back to Capitol Hill, their inboxes fill up fast. Sending a Front Porch Press postcard is a quick, tangible way to cut through the digital noise and make sure your message stands out.
Lawmakers have a narrow window before taking another break for the midterm campaigns—here are three major issues affecting everyday life that are up for debate this session:
1. The Federal Budget
The downlow: The federal government’s current funding expires on September 30. To keep agencies, national parks, and public services running smoothly, Congress must pass stopgap spending bills or full-year funding packages before the midnight deadline.
Why it matters: Shutdowns cause real-world delays—from military pay and small business loan approvals to passport processing and funding for local community programs.
Learn more here.
What to write: "Please prioritize a clean, reliable budget agreement that prevents a government shutdown and protects basic community services."
2. Protecting Lower Health Insurance Costs
The downlow: Debates continue over expiring healthcare tax credits and premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Lawmakers are deciding whether to restore financial relief for households buying coverage on federal and state insurance marketplaces.
Why it matters: Without these subsidies extended, millions of individuals and self-employed workers could see their monthly health insurance premiums jump significantly.
Learn more here.
What to write: "Lower health coverage costs are critical for me and my neighbors. Please support extending healthcare premium subsidies so coverage stays affordable."
3. Food Security & Farm Support (The Farm Bill)
The downlow: The massive "Farm Bill"—which sets long-term policy for national food assistance programs like SNAP and safety nets for local farmers—is up for renewal.
Why it matters: This policy touches everything from grocery store prices and local food pantries to crop insurance for the agricultural producers who supply our food.
Learn more here.
What to write: "Protect federal food assistance programs for local families while ensuring our regional farmers have the safety net they need to keep growing."