Frequently Asked Questions: U.S. Government Shutdown
Funding for the federal government expired on September 30. I am working to keep critical services up and running for families in our community.
To help you plan for a possible federal government shutdown, my office has prepared answers to these frequently asked questions. My staff and I will continue working on your behalf and will remain available to assist you as usual – although we may not be able to get answers from federal agencies that have been shuttered. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (202)-225-1313.
PLEASE NOTE: This page is a living document; it is frequently updated so please check in for additional information.
What is a government shutdown?
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.
Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on October 1st, 2025, the U.S. Government ran out of funding, resulting in a government shutdown, despite Republicans controlling the House, the Senate, and the Presidency. To keep the government open, the House and Senate are supposed to pass a total of 12 government funding bills, each funding a certain number of agencies.
Unfortunately, the Republican-controlled Congress could not pass a single bill, leading to a shutdown. To avert the shutdown, Republicans put forward a short-term government funding bill (a continuing resolution, or "CR") to keep the government funded at last year's levels until November 21st, buying more time to reach a full-year funding agreement.
This partisan bill was put forward without any Democratic input, despite the fact that a continuing resolution requires 60 votes in the Senate. That means any continuing resolution must be bipartisan, as Republicans only have 53 votes and need 7 Democratic votes.
Republicans refused to negotiate because they want to give the president the broad authority to fire federal employees who run federal programs he does not like. In January, the Trump administration issued a memo flagging 2,600 federal programs the administration wanted to freeze funding for. On September 19th, the administration issued another memo directing the heads of federal agencies to fire staff at programs that do not align with the President's agenda if the government were to shut down. Programs that could be terminated include Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration Grants, Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research, Section 8 Housing, Veteran State Nursing Home Care, and Preservation of Historic Structures on the Campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
How does this affect federal workers in FL-20?
Florida's 20th Congressional District is home to over 7,200 federal employees across numerous federal agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the U.S. Coast Guard, the Department of Agriculture, and the Fish and Wildlife Service.
Essential federal employees like TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and VA healthcare providers will remain on the job, but without pay. Other federal workers deemed unessential will be furloughed, or if the Trump Administration follows through on its plans, fired. The heads of federal agencies and the President have broad authority to determine who is deemed an essential and nonessential employee.
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 will dramatically 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. However, payments to healthcare providers may be delayed, along with other administrative functions.
What happens to veterans' services?
All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits. However, veterans will be affected by the shutdown of other services that they count on, including career counseling and job training, support for veteran-owned businesses, and even assistance for homeless veterans.
What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?
All active-duty and Guard and Reservists on active-duty orders are excepted and therefore are required to work without pay. On-base non-acute health care will cease, although off-base care provided through Tricare will not be affected. On-base child care will be open on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement will also be required to work without pay for the duration of a shutdown.
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.
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. If some do not report to work, as has happened in prior shutdowns, there will be significant delays and longer wait times across the country.
What does this mean for disaster relief efforts?
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff will still respond to emergencies, but all 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 — which are linked to severe health effects, including cancer — will be delayed, and cleanup activities at Superfund sites will slow or cease.
What is the impact on food assistance?
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. 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.
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. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations.
Will my mail still arrive?
Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.
What does this mean for medical research?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be forced to delay new clinical trials. New patients who are waiting for a chance at new treatment through a clinical trial will be turned away.
Will I still be able to visit National Parks and monuments?
Across the country, 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; open-air parks and monuments in Washington, D.C. will likely remain accessible. Smithsonian museums may also be impacted by a lengthy shutdown.
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.
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