As of 12:01 a.m. on October 1, funding for many federal government operations has come to a halt. I voted for a bipartisan bill supported by almost all House Republicans to keep the government open and funded. Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats have decided to keep our government closed to appease their far-left progressive base of supporters.
Despite the shutdown, I have deemed all my employees essential and we will be here to help Kentuckians in the Sixth District with issues they are facing with federal agencies. While many federal agencies may have slower response times and minimal staffing, we can still submit requests and advocate on your behalf. You can call our office at 859-219-1366.
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.
Impacts vary by agency. Visit the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website for the latest details.
How did we get here?
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 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 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.
What kinds of services will continue?
While the programs listed below will continue, the agencies responsible for administering them may see reduced workforces impacting operations. This is not a comprehensive list but here are some key services that will continue:
- Social Security payments, including SSI benefits
- Medicare and Medicaid benefits
- VA medical care and benefits (although some regional offices may be closed)
- SNAP benefits (although a prolonged shutdown could create disruptions)
- Disability payments
- Mail delivery
- Federal law enforcement and military operations
- Air travel
- Federal employee retirement payments
- Student aid such as Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans
- Visits to national Smithsonian Museums (until at least Monday, October 6)
- Visa and passport services (although longer wait times are possible)
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 (e.g., www.dhs.gov, www.va.gov) and check their HR or shutdown resource pages.?