Government Shutdown Resources

As you may know, the U.S. Congress must pass annual appropriations measures in order to fund federal government agencies by October 1. On September 19, I supported a measure that passed U.S. the House of Representatives extending 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 any extraneous, partisan policy.

Unfortunately, while I voted to keep the government open and working for the American people, this proposal did not pass the Senate, as Senate Democrats blocked the measure. As of 12:01 a.m. on October 1, funding for many federal government operations has lapsed. This means that many federal agencies do not currently have the authority to operate, while other programs deemed essential are allowed by law to continue.

As the federal government experiences a lapse in funding, I wanted to share critical resources to help those in CA-20 informed about how the shutdown may or may not affect you. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. (Please note that my office continues to gather information from various federal agencies and will update this page accordingly.)

If you or your family is directly impacted by the shutdown, please reach out to my office with your concerns and questions. You can call my Washington, D.C. office at (202)-225-2915 or one of my two district offices: Bakersfield (661) 327-3611 and Clovis (559) 701-2530. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. My team stands ready to help constituents during this difficult time.

Is your office remaining open during the government shutdown?

My offices will remain open to serve constituents across CA-20 with federal agencies and casework. Please note that some agencies may see reduced workforces impacting operations and timeliness of casework responses. If you need assistance with the IRS, VA, or renewing a passport, please contact my Bakersfield office.

What happens to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security?

Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare programs and services will continue during a federal government shutdown. In addition, Social Security benefits, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and benefits for retirement, disability and survivors, will continue to be issued.

I am a veteran. Will my services at the VA still continue?

Most VA services critical to veterans will continue during a government shutdown. All functions within the Veterans Health Administration will continue and veterans will continue to receive compensation and pension claims. Veterans will continue to receive their compensation, pension, and education benefits without interruption, and the VA will continue processing related claims, as well as insurance and loan guaranty programs. The National Cemetery Administration will continue conducting burials, scheduling services, and determining eligibility.

Please note that the 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.

However, some services will be suspended, including:

• The GI Bill Hotline (888-442-4551)
• Veteran Readiness and Employment outreach and Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (Chapter 36)
• Transition Assistance Programs (TAP)
• Processing of new Presidential Memorial Certificates and pre-need burial applications 

For veterans seeking any additional information, please refer to the VA’s Contingency Planning Guidance here or contact my Bakersfield office.

I am coming to Washington, D.C. soon. Will tours still be conducted?

Tours of the U.S. Capitol and the FBI building will be unavailable during a government shutdown. Please refer to the U.S. Smithsonian Institution website here for additional guidance when planning your trip. For any additional questions about your visit, please contact my Washington, D.C. office.

What happens to disaster assistance and emergency programs?

All disaster assistance processing will stop during the shutdown. This includes emergency farm loans, disaster relief payments, and Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) assistance for things like wildfire or flood damage. USDA will continue responding to animal disease emergencies like New World Screwworm and avian flu, but routine programs will be suspended. Disaster programs will resume once funding is restored.

Will USDA still provide meat inspection and food safety services?

Yes, meat, poultry, and egg inspections will continue at processing facilities to protect public health. However, state cooperative meat inspection programs in 29 states may run out of federal funds during an extended shutdown. You can find more thorough guidance from the USDA here.

Will my local FSA office remain open?

Yes, FSA offices will remain open with limited staff. However, most services will be suspended during the shutdown. FSA will not process new farm and commodity loans, disaster assistance payments, or annual program payments like ARC/PLC during a lapse in appropriations. Some critical activities to protect the government's security interest in loans will continue on a limited basis after 10 days.

Will my mail still be delivered during the government shutdown?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) will fully operate during a government shutdown because it does not depend on Congress for funding.

What happens to the military during a government shutdown?

All active-duty personnel, as well as National Guard who are currently deployed (approximately 2 million servicemembers), will remain at their posts without pay during the government shutdown. They will not receive pay until the federal government re-opens. Civilian personnel whose work the Defense Department (DoD) considers essential, or "excepted," will also continue to work with pay delayed (approximately 741,000 civilians), while other civilians are furloughed for the duration of the shutdown. 

For servicemembers seeking additional information, please refer to the DoD contingency plan guidance found here.

Will SNAP and WIC recipients still receive benefits?

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will receive benefits for October, and as funds allow. Additionally, recipients of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will continue receiving benefits during a shutdown as funds allow.

What happens to Head Start programs during a government shutdown?

The Department of Health and Human Services is unfortunately unable to award federal grants to child-care centers during a government shutdown. Therefore, some Head Start programs may be impacted.

What happens to the Small Business Administration during a government shutdown?

The Small Business Administration (SBA) will not approve new loans for small businesses to buy equipment and upgrade buildings. Businesses will continue to receive disaster-related relief from the SBA.

I am planning to visit a National Park soon. Should I cancel my travel plans?

National Parks will remain partially open. Open-air sites will remain open to the public, but buildings that require staffing, such as visitor centers, will be closed. Please exercise caution and refer to the guidance from the National Park you intend to visit. You can find the National Park Service’s Contingency Plan Guidance here.

What happens to federal law enforcement officers during a government shutdown?

Officers at the FBI, DEA, DHS, U.S. Border Patrol, Coast Guard, etc., will remain on the job during a government shutdown.