As of 12:01am on October 1, funding for many federal government operations has lapsed. Despite the shutdown, my office is here to help residents of Utah's 2nd District resolve issues with federal agencies. Contact my district office at (801) 364-5550 or my D.C. office at (202) 225-9730 for assistance.
I am also committed to keeping you informed about how the shutdown may or may not affect you. Many essential services, like Social Security payments, will still be provided as Congress works toward a solution. Federal agencies closing operations are still working on their shutdown plans.
The impacts will vary by agency. Check each agency's website for the latest details on their contingency plans or visit the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website.
How did we get here?
Congress must pass annual appropriations bills in order to fund federal government agencies by October 1. On September 19, I supported a continuing resolution that passed the House of Representatives. This would extend current federal funding until November 21 while we finish our work for the full fiscal year. This was a clean, straightforward extension of existing funding without extraneous policy.
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.
I have an issue with a federal agency. How can I get help?
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.
Will I continue to receive Social Security, SSI, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits?
- Social Security and SSI: Payments continue uninterrupted; limited SSA services like card issuance and benefit applications persist, but verifications, overpayment processing, and customer service face delays and longer wait times.
- Medicare and Medicaid: Benefits and coverage continue (assuming shutdown under three months), including open enrollment starting October 15; however, contacting agencies may be difficult due to furloughed staff, and some communications could be delayed or outdated.
Do Veterans receive benefits during a government shutdown?
Many crucial benefits and services provided by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continue for Veterans during a government shutdown. Essential functions include:
- Benefits processing like compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits
- Veteran healthcare, to include the Veterans Crisis Line
- Burials at VA national cemeteries
- The Board of Veterans' Appeals will continue to process appeals during a shutdown to ensure Veterans' requests and concerns are addressed in a timely manner.
Please note that a government shutdown will lead to some restrictions and disruptions and could affect the following areas for Veterans:
- The VA cannot conduct public affairs outreach activities during a government shutdown; this means that some Veterans may not receive the usual level of communication and support from the VA they might be used to.
- VA regional offices are often closed during a government shutdown which may affect in-person services.
- Operations like career counseling and transition assistance and cemetery grounds maintenance may be unavailable as they are often considered non-essential.
How are active duty troops affected?
- Active-Duty service members will not be paid until Congress reaches an agreement on government spending or if Congress passes legislation explicitly authorizing military pay.
- Services on military installations, such as childcare centers and commissaries, could face operational adjustments or closures depending on the length of the shutdown and the specific funding sources.
- In past government shutdowns, schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) were deemed essential and to remain open during the regular school year. However, sporting events and extracurricular activities, including sports practices might be paused unless the activity is fully funded by other means.
- If your child goes to day care at on on-base Child Development Center (CDC), it is recommended to call and check for closures. Some centers might remain open, while others will likely close on a case-by-case basis.
What about food assistance programs like SNAP, WIC, and Head Start?
- SNAP: Benefits continue for at least 1-month post-shutdown (e.g., until resources run out); prolonged shutdowns risk disruptions for recipients.
- WIC: Benefits may be delayed or suspended. State/local operations continue only until resources deplete; prolonged shutdowns risk serious disruptions for millions of recipients.
- Head Start: Grants cannot be awarded; impacts worsen over time for childcare support. You should contact your child’s Head Start program for further guidance.
What about disaster relief?
- FEMA responds to emergencies, but long-term projects and Disaster Relief Fund activities will be delayed due to lack of funding. Furthermore NOAA, and by extension the NWS, will remain operational.
- Emergency and disaster assistance will continue with delays. Issuance of new grants and interagency agreements will cease unless necessary for excepted or exempted activities.
What about public health?
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will continue clinical care for current patients at the NIH Clinical Center, but no new patients will be admitted, and most grant-making and research support will cease.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will continue operating its 24/7 emergency operations center, outbreak detection, laboratory testing, and critical health monitoring. Many research projects, grant programs, and communications functions will cease.
- Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities will remain open and continue providing care. Certain administrative and support staff may be reduced.
- All Food and Drug Administration (FDA) activities related to imminent threats to the safety of human life or protection of property will continue. This includes addressing existing critical public health challenges by managing recalls, mitigating drug shortages, and responding to outbreaks related to foodborne illness and infectious diseases.
- The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will continue operations related to certain farm loan processing items, certain natural resource and conservation programs, core nutrition safety net programs, essential food safety operations to protect public health, responding to and preparing for wildland fires, activities supported by user fees, and animal and plant health emergency programs (including new world screwworm, highly pathogenic avian influenza, exotic fruit flies, African swine fever, and rabies).
How are student and farm loans, small businesses, and housing affected?
- Student Loans: Payments remain required; processing for FAFSA, Pell Grants, and loan forgiveness delays due to Department of Education staff furloughs.
- Farm Loans: The Farm Service Agency will continue to service farm loans during this time, and it will also provide emergency loans, although service may be slower than usual.
- Small Businesses: The Small Business Administration halts new loans. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations.
- Housing: The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will have limited staff during a shutdown, and the processing or closing of FHA-insured loans may be delayed. All FHA underwriting and processing requirements would remain in force during the government shutdown, and no loan may be endorsed that does not fulfill those requirements.
How will my travel plans be impacted?
I have a trip to Washington, D.C. planned soon. What should I expect?
- During a government shutdown, the Capitol Visitor Center will be closed and there will be no public tours of the U.S. Capitol building.
- All Library of Congress buildings, the U.S. Botanic Garden, the White House, the National Archives, the U.S. Treasury, and the FBI Building will also be closed to the public.
- It is likely that some Smithsonian Museums will be closed to visitors; updates may be found here: Smithsonian Institution | Home.
Can I still send mail?
- Yes, U.S. Postal Service operations will not be interrupted, as it is an independent agency not reliant on annual appropriations.
Will state and local services be affected?
- With no new federal funding, some state or local governments may have to change their operations. Please check with state and local agencies for specific questions.
How will Utah's National Parks be impacted?
- Utah’s national parks and federal lands remain accessible, though services are limited.
- Utah State Parks are unaffected and all facilities remain open.
- For more information visit go to VisitUtah.com.
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.
For agency-specific details, visit your department’s .gov site and check their HR or shutdown resource pages.
