In this short update, I’m talking about the “Democratic shutdown” situation and why I wanted to highlight what Senator Ted Cruz is doing right now. I read through his letter where he asks the Senate financial clerk to hold his salary check for pickup until the lapse in appropriations ends. His point is simple: it’s not right for members of Congress to be paid during a partial shutdown if the working men and women at the Department of Homeland Security aren’t getting paid. I also connect this to what we’ve seen in prior shutdowns—Cruz has done this before, and sometimes lawmakers from both parties have made similar requests as a show of solidarity. I mention how “no work, no pay” style bills have been proposed, but they haven’t become law, and congressional pay is constitutionally protected so it continues automatically. From a prepping mindset, this is another reminder that government disruptions hit frontline workers and families first—so stay safe, stay positive, keep prepping, and as always: fearless and God bless.