Government Shutdown Resources

On October 1, federal funding for government operations lapsed. I supported a package passed by the House that would extend current funding until November 21, 2025, but the proposal did not pass the Senate.

Regardless of a government shutdown, my office is ready to assist the Fourth District of Arkansas with any federal agency issues they may be experiencing. There may be slower response times and minimal staffing while dealing with federal agencies, but my office is still able to submit requests and advocate on your behalf. To submit casework requests, visit the link here.

I remain committed to keeping you informed about how the shutdown may or may not affect you. Many essential programs, like Social Security payments and Medicaid services, will still be operating while the government is closed, though processing times may be slower. 

To learn more about each federal agency’s shutdown plans, visit the specific department’s .gov site (e.g., www.dhs.gov, www.va.gov) and check their HR or shutdown resource pages.

What caused this government shutdown?

Each year, Congress must pass annual appropriations bills to fund the federal government by October 1. On September 19, The House passed a measure, which I supported, to extend current federal funding, otherwise known as a Continuing Resolution (CR), until November 21. This extension would have allowed the House to continue working through regular order to pass all 12 appropriations bills which make up the entirety of our annual appropriations package. This was a clean, straightforward extension CR of existing funding.

Unfortunately, the Senate was unable to pass the same CR in a bipartisan manner, effectively shutting down the government. This now means that many federal agencies do not currently have the authority to operate or must do so with “essential” personnel only, greatly lowering the number of staff available. Other programs that operate through mandatory funding are still allowed to continue operating.

What federal services will continue to operate?

The programs listed below will continue operating; however, a reduced workforce may cause delays in processing requests. 

Social Security 

• If you receive Social Security, you will still receive your Social Security payment. However, if you are waiting for benefit verifications or disability claims, there may be delays in processing.  Read more here.

Medicare and Medicaid 

• Medicare and Medicaid Services programs will continue to operate as normal; however, there may be delays in processing.  Read more here.

The VA 

• All VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open.
• VA benefits, including compensation, pension education, and housing benefits will continue to be processed.
• The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will also continue to operate as normal.
• The VA Contact Center will remain open.
• The Veterans Crisis Center will remain available 24/7.
• Read more here.

U.S. Postal Service 

• U.S. Postal Service will continue to operate as normal.  Read more here.

Farm Service Agency 

• The Farm Service Agency will continue to service farm loans and will continue to provide emergency loans, although there may be delays in processing. Read more here.  

TSA  

• The Transportation Security Administration will continue to operate as normal. However, there may be longer security lines, so plan to arrive earlier at the airport if you are traveling. Read more here.

Passports 

• There may be delays to the current 4-6 week processing time for routine passport applications, but the application process will operate as normal. Read more here.

Note: We will continue to update this page as the impacts of the shutdown take hold. Please stay tuned and follow @repwesterman on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram for the latest information.