Future Jobs Blocked by a Shutdown

A 22‑year‑old marine student is stuck waiting for his Coast Guard exam because a government shutdown has halted federal exams. His family has spent four years of hard work on this day, but politics have turned it into a waiting game. The problem is not just one student; the Coast Guard, TSA and other safety agencies are also on hold. These agencies protect our oceans and skies; they cannot be paused for a political argument. Last year’s shutdown over health‑care subsidies showed how quickly people feel the cost. Millions lost insurance credits, pushing premiums higher and making health care unaffordable for many families. The solution should be simple: give every American access to routine check‑ups, vaccines, cancer screens and mental health visits. Add dental cleanings and eye exams to the list. Preventive care saves money and lives. A tooth that is not cleaned can lead to heart problems later.Unseen vision loss hurts school and work performance. If we stop diseases before they grow, hospitals will be less crowded and families will spend less on emergency care. This is not a proposal for unlimited spending. It is a baseline investment that keeps people healthy so they can work and contribute to the economy. At the same time, government agencies that keep the country safe must stay open. They cannot be used as bargaining chips. The shutdown hurts everyone, but the middle class is hit hardest. Graduating students who need jobs feel the pressure most. The wealthy can afford to wait; the poor already have insurance. Congress must act now. They should pass a bill that keeps essential safety agencies running and work on a long‑term plan for preventive health care. If leaders keep talking without solving, children’s futures will suffer.