What a 2025 Government Shutdown Means for You
As you may know, the federal government is currently shut down due to funding expiring on September 30th. I am working hard right now to keep critical services up and running for families in our community while lowering costs.
My staff and I will continue working on your behalf and will remain available to assist you as usual. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to my offices in Washington State and DC. Additionally, my office has prepared answers to these frequently asked questions.
To receive further updates, please subscribe to my newsletter. You can also call our district office in Issaquah at (425) 657-1001 and also in DC at (202) 225-7761.
Federal Government Shutdown: Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the government shut down?
The government shuts down when Congress is unable to pass appropriations bills that finance the operations of federal agencies and programs, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These appropriations bills are designed to fund the government until the conclusion of each fiscal year, which ends on September 30. Currently, the government is funded through that date. If a new appropriations bill isn't enacted by this deadline, Congress needs to pass a temporary measure, known as a continuing resolution (CR), which sustains the government's funding at its current level. For instance, a CR passed this year would maintain funding at Fiscal Year 2025 levels. In the absence of an approved appropriations bill or a CR, the government faces a shutdown due to a lack of authorized funding.
Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?
Recipients will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will provide limited services like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications. However, SSA will stop services like benefit verifications and processing overpayments. Customer service wait times may increase.
Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?
Current Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits, assuming a shutdown lasts less than three months. You may experience difficulty reaching these agencies, as some employees are furloughed. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will be unable to issue Medicare replacement cards, and could slow new enrollment processing.
What happens to Veterans’ services?
All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits.
Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended?
Military and federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed.
Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown?
When the government shuts down, federal agencies are required to classify their employees whose salaries have lapsed as either "essential" or "not essential." The employees classified as "essential" work without pay during the shutdown. The employees classified as "not essential" are put on unpaid furlough. Under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, all federal employees are retroactively paid for the duration of the shutdown upon its conclusion. President Trump has threatened to needlessly fire thousands of federal workers during a shutdown, as he has been trying to do all year.
What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?
In previous shutdowns, all active-duty and Guard and Reservists on active-duty orders were essential and therefore are required to work. On-base non-acute health care ceased, but off-base care provided through Tricare was not affected. On-base child care was open on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement was also required to work. Both military personnel and federal law enforcement will not be paid until after the shutdown is over.
Will my mail still arrive?
Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.
How will this affect small businesses?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) will stop processing new business loans, such as through the 7(a) and 504 programs.
Will air travel be affected?
Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents will remain on the job without pay. This lapse could impact wait times to get through security and other services at the airport.
How does this affect passports and help for Americans overseas?
Consular services, passport services, and visa services are expected to continue in the immediate aftermath of a government shutdown. In a prolonged shutdown, passport and visa issuance could be slowed. Access to passport agencies located in some government buildings may be limited.
What is the impact on state and local services?
The federal government shutdown will not immediately affect any state or local services. However, with federal funding cut off, some state or local governments may have to change their operations. Check with state and local agencies for specific questions.
What does this mean for disaster relief efforts?
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff will still respond to emergencies, but long-term projects will be delayed due to a lack of funding in the Disaster Relief Fund.
How will this affect environmental protection and cleanup?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will stop inspecting most hazardous waste sites, as well as drinking water and chemical facilities. Efforts to address dangerous contaminants like PFAS will be delayed, and cleanup activities at Superfund sites will slow or cease.
What is the impact on food assistance programs like SNAP and WIC?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will continue at state/local levels until resources run out, as additional federal funding will not be provided. In the case of a prolonged shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may also be affected.
What is the impact on food safety activities?
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety activities—such as routine inspections of facilities—will be delayed across the country.
What is the impact on housing?
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will stop insuring some new mortgages and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will stop processing some new loans. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) will stop new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans. Funding for federal housing assistance programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, may be jeopardized in a prolonged shutdown.
Will I still be able to visit National Parks and monuments?
Services that require National Park Service staff—including trash removal and operating campgrounds and concessions—may be stopped. Closures will be determined on a location-by-location basis. Please exercise caution during any visits to National Parks, as most services may be halted. Visitor centers may be closed, entrance fees won't be collected, educational programs will be canceled, and campsites won't be staffed. There are also limited emergency/rescue services, and safety updates will not be published. Please keep this in mind when planning any visits or hikes in our National Parks.
I have an issue with a government agency. Can I still call them for help? Can you help me instead?
Due to the lapse in funding, many agencies have furloughed workers, so their help desks may have little or no staffing. You are encouraged to contact any agency to learn if they are still able to assist you at this time. You can also contact my office to open a case for you. My office is open and our staff is ready to answer your questions as best we can. We can contact an agency on your behalf and provide you with updates if they are open or when they reopen at the conclusion of a shutdown.
I already have a case open with your office. Should I do anything during the shutdown?
My office is continuing to submit inquiries to federal agencies, including requesting updates on constituents' behalf, submitting paperwork, and opening new cases. We will provide you with an update as soon as it is available.
I am coming to DC, will my tours still take place?
Unfortunately, tour guides and visitor centers of DC's government buildings are considered non-essential and have been closed. This means that all tours of the U.S. Capitol, White House, and FBI Building have been canceled during the shutdown. If you have a tour scheduled through our office and want to check the status, please call us at 202-225-7761.
Have more questions?
Please feel free to call us in DC at 202-225-7761, our Issaquah office at 425-657-1001, or our Wenatchee office at 509-850-5350, and we will do our best to assist you.