Government Shutdown Information

On Wednesday October 1, a government shutdown began after funding authorization for many federal government operations expired. I voted to avoid this situation when the House of Representatives passed a clean, nonpartisan government funding package on September 19. Unfortunately, this measure did not pass the Senate before the October 1 deadline. I understand this lapse in federal funding will be a challenge for families in communities across Michigan’s Second District. Below is some information on how many federal programs will be impacted by the shutdown, and some of the most common topics about what the shutdown means for you and your family.

My Offices

Despite the shutdown, my team and I will be working throughout this period. This year, we have responded to tens of thousands of messages, emails, and phone calls, and we will continue to respond to those while operations in Washington are limited. We have also helped Michigan residents reclaim hundreds of thousands of dollars owed to them by federal agencies including the VA, Social Security, and the IRS.

Unfortunately, our ability to help constituents with situations like this will be affected, as many departments and agencies will not be processing casework during its duration. However, that work will resume once federal funding is resolved. If you are experiencing an issue with a federal agency, please call my office at (616) 528-7100 or fill out this form, and we will work with you on the paperwork that must be completed so we can file your case as soon as we are able.

Finally, my team and I will not be able to process flag orders and arrange tours of the United States Capitol or other landmarks for constituents visiting Washington, D.C. If you are traveling to D.C. during this time, my office will be open to visitors.

Social Security

The Social Security Administration is mandatory spending for the federal government. If you are a Social Security beneficiary, you will receive your Social Security payment. However, if you are waiting for benefit verifications or disability claims, you may experience a delay in having those processed.

Medicare and Medicaid

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services programs will continue to operate as normal during the shutdown.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

The Farm Service Agency will be at 1/3rds staffing capacity. Each FSA service center will have at least one staffer present to do limited processing for existing loans and liens. No new loans will be processed or accepted during the shutdown. Remaining supplemental disaster assistance payments will be paused.
SNAP benefits are currently funded and will be distributed through the end of October.
- WIC is currently funded and benefits will be distributed, however it is expected the program will run out of funds around October 15.
The Risk Management Agency will not be impacted by a shutdown.
Agricultural Marketing Service: Fee funded programs like grading services (dairy, poultry, meat, etc.) and inspections (grain, specialty crop) will continue to operate. Commodity purchase services will also continue to operate as normal.
Food and Safety Inspection Services: Will continue to perform functions essential to food safety, including inspections of meat, poultry, and egg products.

Travel

The Federal Aviation Administration will operate normally. Air Traffic Control operations, hiring, and training will not be interrupted during the shutdown, and will not impact flights or travel.
The Transportation Security Administration will also continue to operate. There may be, however, longer than usual waits to go through security at the airport. If you have a flight planned, I suggest getting to the airport earlier to ensure you get through security in a timely manner.
Passport applications will be processed throughout the shutdown, however you may experience an additional delay. If you plan to travel internationally and you need to renew your passport or get a new passport, it is recommended that you begin the process as soon as possible.
If you are currently abroad, U.S. Consular Services will still be provided.
Certain National Parks which collect fees under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act will remain partially open during the government shutdown , however services including trash removal, restroom maintenance, and visitor centers may be limited.

Veterans

VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open as usual and providing all services.
VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits.
Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries. Applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits processing will continue.
The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue decisions on Veterans’ cases.
Call Centers: VA’s primary call center (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) will remain open 24/7. The VA Benefit Hotline (1-800-827-1000) will be available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.
Suicide prevention programs, homelessness services, and caregiver support will continue.

Department of Education

Financial Aid, or GI Bill benefits will not be affected by a shutdown. Student loans will continue to accrue interest.
Existing Head Start grants are currently funded, however, no new grant awards, or renewals will be processed during the shutdown.

U.S. Department of Labor

H-2A and H-2B certifications will be paused for the duration of the shutdown.

US Postal Services

The U.S. Postal Service will not be interrupted.

Again, my team and I will continue to work throughout this government shutdown for our constituents in the Second District and hope to bring it to a swift end. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.