I am a widow living on widow's benefits from the VA and I have no other income. My husband fought hard for his country. If this shutdown does not end soon, I fear for the economy, rent paying, etc.

Republican extremism has impacted my family. Because of the cutbacks, my son won't be able to get into Head Start this year. It has hurt me deeply because he was looking forward to making new friends. Also, one of my friends, who is a recently single mother, won't have any more money to feed her baby formula. Right now she's living with her parents and she's worried her benefits will be impacted.

Congress impedes American growth and development when playing uncooperative games. They should suffer as much as the rest of the citizenry when they do these things to stop our collective progress. And before even contemplating these stupid games, Congress should provide a dialogue (hearings +) with the citizenry for at least two years before trying to impede our collective needs through harming the economy.

This is a matter of grave concern. House Republicans are willing to risk delaying new Social Security benefits and student loans, military pay and other government services – all in the name of re-fighting a battle they lost three years ago. Rep. Sinema should not appease right-wing extremists.

We, the people of the United States of America are sick and tired of the way the politicians are running our country. We solemnly swear we will not vote for any incumbent politician in The entire US Senate no matter what party they represent. They have all proven they are incompetent and care only about power and politics. Let's fire them all! It's time they start listening to the people they pretend to serve!

Republican extremism has impacted me in this way: A relative was working on Colorado cleanup and funds are being frozen

The shutdown led me to call Congressman Bucshon's office twice. Both times, the person answering the phone listened to what I had to say, tried to give me their spin on events, and when I said I still did not support the shutdown, they hung up on me. At least the second time, the person did take my name. All I wanted to do was give Mr. Bucshon my opinion, as a voter in his district. He is supposed to be my representative in Congress, and he either hasn't instructed his staff to handle calls better, or he doesn't care what the people he is supposed to represent think. While the shutdown hasn't affected me directly, it affects all of us in some way. I'm tired of not being represented in Congress. A shutdown should NEVER be an option.

Republicans have resorted to shutting down the government and threatening not to pay our bills. They think playing these dangerous games is how they will achieve cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits and take away health insurance from millions. President Obama and Senate Majority Leader Reid are standing strong against Republican extortion attempts around Obamacare and a government shutdown or default. Show that you stand with President Obama and Senator Reid now.

My father served 33 years in the U.S. Navy, starting with WWII through the Vietnam War. He and his generation made it possible for me and my generation to enjoy the many benefits of our society. Congress should respect this legacy and behave responsibly with respect to the functioning of our government and begin to act for the common good.

The 14th Amendment states, “The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payments of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion,” the critical sentence says, “shall not be questioned.” The President can use it to prevent extremist elements in Congress from using the debt ceiling as economic extortion to force right wing policy on him, Congress and the American people.

A dear friend's husband who works for the park service is on indefinite leave. She works full-time, but does not make enough money to support both of them financially for the long term. They have no idea when he will draw another paycheck. This could mean economic ruin for them in a short time as we live in one of the most expensive cities in the country. Another dear friend works for the IRS and has no way of knowing whether he will be able to pay rent and cover bills. He is using savings that should be used for real emergencies, not ones fabricated by the privileged members of Congress. Why should he have to dip into his emergency funds for basic survival? You in Congress are not at all impacted by this economically. Most of you are independently wealthy and your seat merely affords you more power. For most--if not all of you--your salary is just additional income. For shame! A friend who is a single mother cannot get her WIC benefits. She also relies on Head Start for daycare. She works very hard. Her daughter is happy, healthy and well-adjusted. But this little bit of assistance helps to subsidize what the absent father would contribute. She may have to get a second job but she has no idea who is going to take care of her child while she's working it. This is disgusting!

Tea party Republicans have held our government hostage for too long! During that time, more than 800,000 government employees have been unable to work, 3,200 children have been locked out of Head Start, and 401 national parks have been closed to the public. We've had enough -- it's time to end the shutdown, raise the debt ceiling and help America move forward.