Government Shutdown Resources
As of 12:01 a.m. on October 1, funding for many federal government operations has lapsed. I supported a package passed by the House that would extend current funding until November 21, 2025, but the proposal has yet to pass the Senate.
Despite the shutdown, my office is here to help constituents of Washington's Fourth District with issues they are facing with federal agencies. While many federal agencies may have slower response times and minimal staffing, we can still submit requests and advocate on your behalf. You can submit casework requests on our website here.
Impacts vary by agency, and this page will be updated with agency information as it is released.
How did we get here?
The U.S. Congress must pass annual appropriations measures in order to fund federal government agencies by October 1. On September 19, I supported a measure that passed the House of Representatives extending current federal funding until November 21 while we finish our work for the full fiscal year. This was a clean extension of existing funding without new policy attached.
Unfortunately, this proposal did not pass the Senate, as Senate Democrats blocked the measure and shut down the government. This means that many federal agencies do not currently have the authority to operate. Other programs deemed essential are allowed by law to continue.
What kinds of services will continue?
While the programs listed below will continue, the agencies responsible for administering them may see reduced workforces impacting operations. This is not a comprehensive list as we are continuing to gather information.
- Social Security payments, including SSI benefits
- Medicare and Medicaid benefits
- VA medical care and benefits (although some regional offices may be closed)
- SNAP benefits (although a prolonged shutdown could create disruptions)
- Disability payments
- Mail delivery
- Federal law enforcement and military operations
- TSA security screening at airports
- Federal employee retirement payments
- Student aid such as Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans
- Visits to national Smithsonian Museums (until at least Monday, October 6)
- Visa and passport services (although longer wait times are possible)
Resources for Federal Employees
As agencies shut down, federal employees will either be furloughed, or in some cases required to work without pay. Under federal law, employees are entitled to back pay upon the government reopening.
Agency Specific Shutdown Guidance
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Department of Defense
- Department of Education
- Department of Homeland Security
- State Department
- Department of Commerce
- Department of Justice
- Department of Labor
- Department of the Treasury
- Social Security Administration
- Army Corps of Engineers