Dear Friends,
As I’m sure you’ve heard, funding for the federal government runs out this Saturday. If Congress does not agree to a spending bill by then, the government will shut down. Like you, I am upset and disappointed with this looming government shutdown. Keeping our government open is one of the most basic responsibilities of Congress, and disrupting the lives of millions of Americans to achieve unpopular policy goals is not how our government is meant to function. The last three government shutdowns combined cost taxpayers nearly $4 billion, and the 2018-2019 shutdown reduced economic output by $11 billion.
While the Biden administration and a bipartisan group of House and Senate leadership reached a budget deal earlier this summer, a small group of right-wing extremists are committed to forcing a shutdown. I will continue pushing my colleagues in Congress to act responsibly and keep our government open. However, there are some things you should know about how a shutdown might affect you and your family:
- If you rely on Social Security, please know that checks will still go out, though there will be delays in the processing of new enrollees.
- Medicare and Medicaid, which are considered “essential services,” will remain up and running, and seniors will continue to get their benefits.
- All active-duty military personnel and many law enforcement officers would remain at work but receive no pay until appropriated funds are available.
- There is a risk of significant delays and longer wait times for travelers at airports across the country, as air traffic controllers and TSA Officers are expected to work without pay.
- Passport and visa services are expected to continue. In a prolonged shutdown, passport and visa issuance could be slowed. Access to passport agencies located in some government buildings may be limited.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will continue as normal for now, but could be affected in the future as funds run out.
- National parks, zoos, and museums will be closed to visitors.
- The Small Business Administration will be unable to accept, review, or approve any new business loans.
My staff and I will continue working on your behalf here in DC and Connecticut and will remain available to assist you as usual. However, if you require our office’s assistance with a federal agency, please reach out as soon as possible. Many federal agencies will be forced to furlough staff, which will slow response times and, in some cases, may suspend their services all together. This may include but is not limited to passport appointments, assistance with federal programs like Social Security, Medicaid, the IRS, and Veterans Affairs.
Please know that I will do everything in my power to assist you during this difficult time. Congress cannot let itself become numb to the consequences of a shutdown that is reckless, unnecessary and has potentially severe impacts on the lives of individuals in Connecticut and across the country. If you require assistance, please contact my office at (203) 333-6600. You may also find more resources and information regarding the shutdown on my website.
Sincerely,
Jim |
