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Dear Friend,
As of midnight last night, the federal government shut down due to a lack of funding. As budget negotiations continue, I wanted to share a few ways the shutdown might affect you and your family. For more detailed information, please visit my website.
- 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.
- There is a risk of significant delays and longer wait times for travelers at airports across the country, as air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and Customs and Border Patrols agents are expected to work without pay.
- If you are planning to travel and need a passport, obtaining one may be more difficult during a shutdown.
- Mail will still arrive. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.
- The IRS will stop many of its services and you should expect delays in getting help.
- All active-duty military personnel and many law enforcement officers will remain at work but will not receive pay until Congress makes funds available for that purpose.
- 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 likely 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 Washington and Connecticut and will remain available to assist you as always. If you require my office’s assistance with a federal agency, please reach out as soon as possible. Many 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 contact my office at (203) 333-6600 and know that I will do everything in my power to assist you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Jim
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