Government Shutdown Resources

Government Shutdown Resources

As of 12:01 a.m. on October 1, 2025, a lapse in appropriations has led to some government agencies and operations being shut down.

I voted on September 19, 2025, for a clean continuing resolution (CR) passed by the House to extend funding through November 21 and keep the government open. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats’ refusal to pass the clean, 24-page CR let the measure collapse, triggering a government shutdown.

Regardless of the lapse in appropriations, my Washington, D.C. Office and district offices remain open to serve the people of Ohio’s Fourteenth Congressional District. As your Congressman, I will continue to keep you updated, and my staff and I are here to assist you with any issues you are having with federal agencies.

How did we get to a government shutdown?

A government shutdown occurs when there is a lapse in appropriations and Congress fails to enact legislation providing discretionary funds, leaving some federal agencies without the budget authority needed to continue certain operations. Under its constitutional power of the purse, Congress is responsible each year for drafting and passing twelve appropriations bills that provide discretionary funding to federal agencies. In the event Congress fails to enact all twelve appropriations bills by the September 30 fiscal year deadline, it typically relies on a Continuing Resolution (CR), which extends current funding levels into the new fiscal year to allow more time to complete the appropriations process.

On September 19, the House of Representatives passed a clean, seven-week CR to fund the government through November 21 to allow for more time to continue working on passing the twelve fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills to fund the government. Unfortunately, this resolution did not get the Democratic votes needed to pass in the Senate, leading to a shutdown on October 1, 2025.

How will services be impacted?

This list is not comprehensive as our office continues to gather more information. Services may be delayed as the agencies administering them may experience reduced staffing. My offices will remain open to assist with issues you are having involving federal agencies. The impacts may vary by agency, but my offices will still be working to advocate on your behalf.

  • USPS operations
    • All U.S. Postal Service operation continue, as they do not rely on annual appropriations.
  • SNAP benefits
    • Benefits will continue being distributed.
    • A prolonged shutdown could create disruptions for recipients.
  • Department of Veteran Affairs
    • Most crucial benefits provided by the VA will still be available to our veterans.
    • Benefits processing, Veterans healthcare, and the Board of Veterans’ Appeals will carry on.
    • Service times may take longer than usual, and VA regional offices are often closed during a lapse in appropriations.
  • Social Security
    • Payments continue uninterrupted. Other services like verifications and customer service may face delays.
  • Medicare and Medicaid benefits
    • Benefits and coverage continue. Contacting agencies may be difficult due to staffing.
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Woman, Infants and Children (WIC)
    • Benefits may be delayed or suspended, while state/local operations continue until resources are depleted.
  • Federal Retirement
    • Federal retirees under the Civil Service Retirement System and Federal Employees Retirement System will continue to receive scheduled annuity payments.
    • Contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan will be halted.
  • National Parks Service
    • Many parks remain open to visitors, but facilities and staff are limited. Emergency services are limited as well.
  • Travel
    • Air traffic controllers, CBP Agents and TSA agents work without pay. Expect travel disruptions and longer lines.
    • All Services at international embassies and consulates continue during a shutdown. If you are abroad and need help, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy.
  • Passport and Visa processing
    • A lapse in appropriations will have minimal impacts.
  • Small Business Administration and Federal Housing Administration loans
    • SBA will not issue new loans. The processing of FHA-insured loans may be delayed.
  • Head Start
    • Head Start Grants cannot be awarded; contact your child’s Head Start Program for further guidance.
  • Visiting D.C.
    • The Capitol Visitor Center and U.S. Capitol Flag Office will be closed.
    • The Library of Congress, U.S. Botanical Garden, White House, National Archives, U.S. Treasury, and the FBI building will also be closed to the public. For Smithsonian Museums, check the specific museum’s website for more information on its hours.

  • Capitol Flag Program

    • My office is currently not accepting flag requests, and flag orders and flag flying requests are not being processed during the lapse in government funding.
    • Requests that have been submitted from October 1 through October 17 will be processed once the shutdown has ended and government funding resumes.
  • Military operations
    • Active-duty military members continue to work without pay.
    • Services on military installations could be affected depending on specific funding sources.

How does a lapse in appropriations affect agencies?

Depending on the agency, a certain number of employees will be furloughed, while others may be required to work without pay. Regardless, employees are entitled to back pay upon the government reopening under federal law. While services critical to the American people will still operate, response times may vary. Below are some resources to offer some guidance during this period: