Government Shutdown FAQs
This information is subject to change. The information below was last updated at Monday, September 29th, 8:30 AM PT.
Regardless of a government shutdown, my office will be open to assist you. If you need assistance, please reach out to us at (626) 646-0369.
Why does the government shut down?
The government shuts down when Congress is unable to pass appropriations bills that fund the operations of federal agencies and programs. These appropriations bills are designed to fund the government until the conclusion of each fiscal year, which ends on September 30. 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. In the absence of an approved appropriations bill or a CR, the government faces a shutdown due to a lack of authorized funding.
What government services and programs are impacted during a government shutdown, and what effect does this have on the public?
A government shutdown, whether partial or full, impacts a variety of services and programs.
During the 2018-2019 partial shutdown, the Food and Drug Administration suspended routine inspections, increasing public health risks. The National Park Service halted trash collection and road repairs, resulting in unsanitary conditions and unsafe roads, while some national parks and museums were forced to close entirely. The shutdown also threatened the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program in some states, putting low-income families and children at risk of hardship. These disruptions illustrate how shutdowns can have a detrimental effect on public services and society's most vulnerable members.
What happens to federal employees during a shutdown?
Federal employees from shut-down agencies are either furloughed—prohibited from work and unpaid—or required to work without pay if their roles are deemed essential to public safety. While Congress has traditionally approved retroactive payment for these employees once the government reopens, this does not prevent the immediate financial difficulties they face. Following the 2019 Shutdown, Congress passed the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, which provides immediate retroactive back pay to federal employees after a shutdown ends. Government contractors, unlike direct federal employees, typically do not receive back pay after shutdowns.
How does a government shutdown end?
To end a government shutdown, both the House and the Senate need to pass an appropriations bill to fund the departments and agencies that have been shut down. The President must sign that bill into law. Congress can also pass a continuing resolution (CR), which sustains the government's funding at its current level, which also requires the approval of the President.
Which federal facilities will be impacted if the government shuts down?
Each shutdown is unique, and the exact list of affected agencies can vary. Among others, the following federal facilities may be impacted in the event of a government shutdown:
- Military bases, arsenals, depots, and federal armories
- Veterans Affairs medical facilities
- Federal prisons and courthouses
- National laboratories
- National Park System facilities, National Forests, and other federally owned or managed lands
- Ports, including seaports, airports, and intermodal terminals that may host federal customs processing facilities or law enforcement
- IRS facilities
- Law enforcement agencies like the FBI, ATF, DEA, or CBP
- General federal office buildings
How will constituent casework be affected?
During a government shutdown, casework services might be delayed as federal agencies navigate reduced workforces. Expect longer wait times and processing times for any requests to federal agencies.
Please continue to reach out to our office if you cannot get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly. While we cannot guarantee you a favorable outcome, we will do our best to help you receive a fair and timely response to your problem. Give us a call at (626) 646-0369 with any casework questions.
Will I continue to receive my Social Security?
A shutdown will not impact existing Social Security benefit payments. You will not be able to apply for new benefit verification and card issuance during a shutdown, meaning that new recipients may experience delays in processing their claims.
Will Medicare or Medicaid be interrupted?
Medicare and Medicaid will continue to operate during a shutdown, but expect longer wait times as the agencies adjust to a reduced workforce.
Will Open Enrollment on Healthcare.gov still take place?
During a government shutdown, the federal insurance marketplace open enrollment will be unaffected. Open Enrollment will proceed as normal from November 1 through January 15.
Will USPS still deliver my mail?
Yes, all services under the Postal Service will continue during a government shutdown.
Do military personnel continue working?
In a government shutdown, the Department of Defense will continue defending our nation, and all military personnel will continue their usual duty. However, our servicemembers will not receive pay during the shutdown.
How does this affect TSA?
TSA officers and Air Traffic Controllers are considered essential and are reporting to work throughout the shutdown. However, both TSA and Air Traffic Control will be working without pay, so plan extra time at the airport to make it to your destination in a timely manner.
I’m coming to DC, will my tours still take place?
During a government shutdown, many tours are suspended. Please reach out to our office for more guidance on which tours are impacted.
Will my passport renewal still be processed?
Passport applications will continue to be processed during a government shutdown. The Bureau of Consular Affairs/Passport Services is designated as an essential service provider and is funded through passport fees. Thus, all Passport Services, including agencies and the National Passport Information Center, will remain open during a lapse in appropriations.
Are National Parks closed?
Closures during a shutdown will be determined on a location-by-location basis, but many of the services that keep our parks clean and safe will be suspended, including trail maintenance, trash pickup, and public restrooms.
What is the impact on food assistance programs such as SNAP and WIC?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will quickly run out of funding and be unable to provide food for children and parents in need during a government shutdown. In the case of a prolonged shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may also be affected.
What is the impact on housing?
During a shutdown, many federal agencies will stop issuing new mortgages and loans. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will cease insuring some new mortgages, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will halt processing certain 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 the event of a prolonged 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 during a shutdown. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations.
Will I continue to receive my VA Disability Compensation payments?
Yes, you will continue to receive your VA Disability Compensation payments during a government shutdown. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) receives advance appropriations for benefits like disability compensation, pensions, education, and housing. This means that funding is provided a year in advance, which allows these payments to continue without interruption even if the government shuts down.