In the meantime, both my Washington, D.C., and Rochester offices are fully operational. I have provided some answers to frequently asked questions about the shutdown below, and I will continue sharing updates as we have them. 

I sat down with MSNBC this week to talk about why reversing these healthcare cuts matters so much. These cuts will kick millions of hardworking Americans off their health insurance and raise premiums to an unaffordable level for even more. 

I also talked about this threat to healthcare access with Bloomberg Radio, where I made it clear—these are American values we’re talking about. It’s not just an issue for people on Medicare and Medicaid, and that’s why I am so committed to this fight. 

A shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass the legislation required to provide funding for the federal government for the upcoming fiscal year. 

Congress has the sole authority to provide funding for the federal government and its services, which includes everything from paying social security checks, to running national parks, to paying troops, and a variety of other programs and services essential to the everyday lives of individuals and families.  

During a shutdown, all types of federal spending are put on pause until a budget agreement can be reached.  

During the 2018-2019 partial shutdown, the Food and Drug Administration suspended routine inspections, increasing public health risks. The National Park Service stopped trash collection and road repairs, creating unsanitary conditions and unsafe roads, while some national parks and museums closed entirely. Additionally, over 86,000 immigration court hearings were canceled, exacerbating existing backlogs. The shutdown also threatened the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program in some states, putting low-income families and children at risk.  
 
These disruptions illustrate how shutdowns can detrimentally affect public services and society's most vulnerable members. 

Essential services related to national security and public safety, like inpatient and emergency medical care, air traffic control, law enforcement, border security, disaster aid, and power grid maintenance, continue, though they may face disruptions. 

Services independent of annual appropriations bills, such as the U.S. Postal Service and programs like Social Security and Medicare, also continue, but may experience interruptions. 

Shutdowns are detrimental to both the public, who face service and program disruptions, and federal employees, who are either furloughed or required to work without pay. 

Shutdowns also cause revenue losses and negatively impact the economy. The last Trump shutdown cost the U.S. economy $11 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. 

My office is always here to help. Visit morelle.house.gov/shutdown for more information and updates during the government shutdown, and know that I will keep fighting for a budget that supports quality health care for all Americans and brings down the cost of living for hardworking families.  

Until next week, 

Joe Morelle 

New York’s 25th Congressional District