The People's Blueprint

I was set to begin my internship on Capitol Hill just under 3 weeks ago, eager to witness how legislation is crafted and how it impacts the constituents I would serve in my House office. Instead, the government shutdown has closed these doors, affecting not only interns but also federal employees, essential programs, and the countless people who rely on them.

However, a shutdown means more than just a delayed internship. During a recent visit to the Senate Gallery, I learned from Senator John Cornyn that most Americans live paycheck to paycheck, and the shutdown is only worsening the strain by delaying critical programs that provide nutrition and energy assistance, leaving families to face increased food security and higher utility bills. Meanwhile, Congress debates and blames in a stalemate, while solutions remain stalled in what may soon become one of the longest government shutdowns in the nation’s history.

This pause sparked an idea: If the halls of the government are closed, I could still explore how policy, community, and justice intersect. The People’s Blueprint was born as a space to question, understand, and try to imagine a system that works for everyone. Whether the government remains shut down or not, my work continues here, on this page.