Dear Friend,

We are just hours away from a government shutdown caused by a strange combination of Elon Musk and Republican infighting. Though Republican Speaker Johnson and Democratic Leader Jeffries reached a budget deal earlier this week, a last-minute pressure campaign from President-Elect Trump and the unelected Elon Musk has caused House Republicans to reject the bipartisan agreement.

I will continue pushing my colleagues in Congress to act responsibly and keep our government open. In the event a deal cannot be reached, here are a few ways a possible shutdown might affect you and your family. For more detailed information, please visit my website.

• 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. Please be sure to consider this ahead of any holiday travel.
• If you are planning to travel and need a passport, obtaining one may be more difficult during a shutdown.
• 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, which is considered an “essential service,” 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 become available.
• 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 always. However, if you require my 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, and assistance with federal agencies 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. We cannot let ourselves become numb to the consequences of a shutdown that is reckless, unnecessary and may severely impact the lives of individuals in Connecticut and across the country. If you require assistance, please contact my office at (203) 333-6600.

Sincerely,
Jim