Strange that both major political parties, elected by the people, cannot agree on issues vital to the national security and the well-being of the people.

Strange that we common citizens must be out of work while members of Congress and their staff face no layoffs or loss of pay.

Strange that only nonessential jobs take the biggest hits.

Strange that the American people don’t rise up and demand that elected officials do the job that send them to Congress.

I hope that the next Congress will act in a manner that is helpful to all Americans.

Thomas Case, Lewiston