The government has been shut down for 40 days, and it’s a direct reflection of our elected leaders choosing a nonfunctional federal government over compromise. People across the country are losing their SNAP benefits, federal workers are being denied of pay, and with fewer employees in the IRS, TSA, and other vital agencies, the American people find themselves increasingly unable to rely on their government.

From the eyes of the legislators

It’s understandable that senators refuse to give up on the causes they have run to uphold or support. Democratic senators find themselves in a tricky position: do they support a bill contrary to their beliefs and campaign promises, or do they overlook the bill’s faults in favor of ending the shutdown? Most are choosing the former. Republican senators, on the other hand, recognize that they have a majority and are refusing to concede several points on the bill that could make it more appealing to Democrats.

What gives?

Senators from both parties are acting in accordance with their beliefs and campaign promises. But the ultimate result of that is an unwillingness of either side to make concessions and work to — literally — get the government up and running again. Across the country, Americans are losing out on vital services from the federal government… And it’s all because elected leaders on both sides of the aisle refuse to make room for compromise.

Our leaders need to put the American people first. Ultimately, individuals of both parties need to set aside differences in order to promote open discourse, support those who need assistance, and lead our country into the future.