Government Shutdown FAQs

As of 12:01 a.m. on October 1, funding for many federal government operations has lapsed. I voted YES on a bipartisan, bicameral funding bill to keep the government open and protect the American people. Unfortunately, the Senate failed to advance the measure.

Until this shutdown ends, I will not be taking pay. I have formally notified the House Administrative Officer that no Member salaries should be paid during any lapse in government funding—and I strongly urge my colleagues to do the same. No Member of Congress should collect a paycheck while Americans are being denied the services they have earned and deserve.

While Congress works toward a solution, many essential services—like Social Security and Medicare—will continue, but disruptions will grow the longer this shutdown lasts. Each agency is releasing its own contingency plans, and I want you to have clear, accurate information.

Visit the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website for the latest details.

What is a government shutdown?

Every year, Congress must pass funding bills to keep our government operating. If Congress fails to act, federal agencies shut down. Many employees are furloughed, while others—like military personnel and law enforcement—must keep working without pay until funding is restored. Each agency has its own plan, so impacts vary widely.

Can I still get help from your office?

My team and I remain fully available to assist you. Even if federal agencies are delayed in processing, we will continue advocating on your behalf.

How long will a shutdown last?

There is no set timeframe. Some shutdowns have lasted days, others weeks. The longer it drags on, the more families, businesses, and communities will feel the consequences. That’s why I will continue pushing for bipartisan solutions to end this shutdown quickly.

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
• Air travel
• 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)

Additional Impacts to Be Aware Of

Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid

• Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits will continue.
• New applications, verifications, or communications may face delays.

Food Assistance (SNAP & WIC)

• SNAP: Benefits will continue for now, but a prolonged shutdown could cause disruptions.
• WIC: Funding may run out quickly, disrupting food access for parents and children.

Veterans (VA Services)

• Continue: Health care, prescriptions, and benefit payments.
• Paused: GI Bill call centers, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) services, Transition Assistance Programs, and cemetery services (including headstone installations and grounds maintenance).

Military Pay

• Active-duty service members and essential defense personnel will continue working, but paychecks will be delayed until funding is restored.

Passports

• Passport and visa processing will continue as long as funds are available, but operations may slow down due to reduced staffing.
• Expect longer waiting times for appointments and processing.
• If a passport agency is located in a federally run building that closes, that location will not be able to process applications until funding is restored.

Mail Delivery

• The U.S. Postal Service will continue operating as usual.

Housing Loans

• The Federal Housing Administration will stop approving new loan applications, creating delays for purchases, refinancing, and development.

Small Business Loans

• The Small Business Administration will not accept or approve new business loan applications during a shutdown.

Flood Insurance (NFIP)

• The program will lapse. Current policyholders can still file claims, but no new policies will be issued. This could affect about 1,300 home sales per day in flood-prone areas.

Taxes

• Tax filing deadlines remain in place, including the October 15 extension deadline. The IRS is expected to continue processing returns and refunds.

Student Loans & Financial Aid

• Pell Grants and Direct Federal Student Loans will continue for now.
• FAFSA processing and loan servicing will operate on a limited basis.
• A prolonged shutdown could disrupt funding for schools and universities.

FEMA

• Emergency response will continue, but long-term recovery projects will be delayed.

Tours and Travel

• All tours of the U.S. Capitol, White House, and FBI will be canceled.
• National parks and memorials may remain open without staffing, meaning restrooms, visitor centers, maintenance, and rescue services will be limited. Please plan ahead if traveling.

Resources for Federal Employees

As agencies shut down, federal employees will either be furloughed, or in some cases required to work without pay.

• OPM Operating Status
• OPM Shutdown Furlough Guidance
• Thrift Savings Plan - Lapse in Appropriations

For agency-specific details, visit your department’s .gov site (e.g., www.dhs.gov, www.va.gov) and check their HR or shutdown resource pages. 

While Washington gridlock has forced this shutdown, my responsibility is clear: to continue working and fighting for you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my Washington, DC office at (202) 225-4276 or my Langhorne office (215) 579-8102 with any questions or concerns you may have.