Dear Friend,

For the first time in almost seven years, the federal government is shut down. As I work with my congressional colleagues to pass legislation that would end the shutdown, restore health care access for millions, and keep your insurance rates from skyrocketing, I wanted to bring you a special edition of Let Me Be Blunt.

President Trump promised to lower costs on Day One. Yet, we are over 250 days into his administration, and not only are food and energy costs up, but we are on the brink of health care costs going up, too. That’s because the Republican tax law cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and doesn’t extend tax credits that have successfully kept premiums down for so many American families.

For months, my Democratic colleagues and I have been ready to negotiate responsibly to keep the government open and restore the health care that Republicans are taking away. In this critical moment, we need our Republican colleagues to get serious, come to the table, and work with us to deliver a bipartisan deal for the American people.

CLICK HERE to watch me discuss this impending health care crisis on MSNBC.

As a result of the shutdown, many federal agencies will be closed or have reduced operations. While my Delaware and Washington, D.C. offices may have limited capacity, we will do everything we can to serve you.

CLICK HERE for shutdown-related information – my team will continue to update this page as the situation develops.

Please find responses to some frequently asked questions below:

What is a government shutdown? 

A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass annual appropriations legislation or a Continuing Resolution (CR) before the beginning of a fiscal year on October 1^st. The temporary gap in funding means federal agencies and employees are unable to carry out their usual duties or must do so on an unpaid basis for as long as the shutdown persists. As a result, many federal programs and services experience interruptions and delays during a government shutdown. 

Will Senator Blunt Rochester’s offices be open? 

My offices in Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown, and Washington, D.C. will remain open. Staff will not be able to arrange Capitol tours or fulfill flag requests. You may still submit new casework requests on our website, but please note that our team will have a reduced ability to assist you, as many federal agencies will be closed during the shutdown.

CLICK HERE to submit a request to our casework team.

• You can reach our Wilmington office at (302) 573-6291.  
• You can reach our Dover office at (302) 674-3308. 
• You can reach our Georgetown office at (302) 856-7690. 
• You can reach our Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-2441.

How will this affect me?

• Social Security and SSI payments will continue. However, new claims may not be processed, and questions may not be answered during the shutdown. 
• Medicare benefits will continue uninterrupted. However, new Medicare cards will not be issued, and new beneficiaries may not be accepted into the program until the shutdown ends. If you’ve been receiving telehealth-based care through Medicare, your appointments may be rescheduled or moved to in person. 
• The United States Postal Service (USPS) will continue to be fully operational. 
• You should prepare for delays at the airport. TSA, CBP, and air traffic controllers will be working without pay and/or with reduced staff for the duration of the shutdown. 
• Military and federal law enforcement will also be working without pay during the shutdown. 
• VA medical facilities will remain open, and several Veterans Benefits Administration programs will continue. Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries. VA benefits regional offices will be closed. 
• WIC may run out of funding soon. As a result, recipients may find that money has not been issued on their electronic benefit card as expected. 
• SNAP benefits are expected to be disrupted only in the event of an extended shutdown. 
• National parks and federal museums may close and will have reduced services. The Smithsonian has announced that its locations will stay open until Monday, October 6^th. Please check the website of the respective facility you are looking to visit for specific guidance. 
• Federal Student Aid (FSA) programs, such as the Pell Grant and the Direct Loan program, will not be impacted. Student loan payments will continue to be processed during the shutdown. 
• The Small Business Administration (SBA) will not accept, review, or approve any new business loans for the duration of the shutdown. 
• Regional Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offices will close. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will remain operational until further notice but with reduced capacity. This may affect your ability to obtain or refinance a mortgage through the FHA. 
• USDA’s Farm Service Agency will not implement or process several programs critical to farmers, including disaster assistance program payments related to extreme weather, and direct loans.

If you are experiencing any disruptions, please do not hesitate to contact my office for assistance.

Contact me