Hello Friends,
I know the stories surrounding this government shutdown can be confusing, with everyone telling you a different answer about what caused this. Let me be perfectly clear: the Republicans caused this shutdown. Not only do they control the House, the Senate, and the White House, they refused any discussions with Democrats prior to this shutdown.
Due to the lapse in funding, the federal government entered a shutdown at 12:01 a.m. on October 1, 2025. However, both my Washington, D.C., and New Jersey offices will remain open to serve you. You can reach us by calling (202) 225-5034 or (973) 526-5668.
Below, you will find information on how a shutdown might affect you, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and resources for furloughed government employees. This information is also available on my website, which you can find here, and it will be regularly updated as we receive new information.
Please note: This information is based on government operations from prior shutdowns. The Trump Administration has not yet released full shutdown plans for the various departments.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a government shutdown?
Each year, Congress must pass bills to fund federal departments and programs. When Congress fails to enact funding bills, federal agencies must cease all non-essential functions until Congress acts.
Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?
Yes. Recipients will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will provide limited services like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications. However, SSA will stop services like benefit verifications and processing overpayments. Customer service wait times will likely increase.
Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?
Current Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance beneficiaries will continue to receive their
benefits assuming a shutdown lasts less than three months. However, you may have difficulty reaching these agencies due to employee furloughs.
What happens to veterans' services?
All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain operational. The VA will
continue to process veterans’ benefits. However, veterans will be affected by the shutdown of
other services that they count on, including education and job training, support for veteran owned businesses, and even assistance for homeless veterans.
What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?
All active-duty and Guard and Reservists on active-duty orders are excepted and therefore are
required to work without pay. On-base non-acute health care will cease, although off-base care
provided through Tricare will not be affected. On-base child care will be open on a case-by-case
basis. Federal law enforcement will also be required to work without pay for the duration of a shutdown.
Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended?
Military and federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new
applications or other requested changes will be delayed.
Will air travel be affected?
Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) agents will remain on the job without pay.There may be delays and longer wait times across the country, as has happened in prior shutdowns.
What does this mean for disaster relief efforts?
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff will still respond to emergencies, but
long-term projects may be delayed due to a lack of funding or a pause in operations due to furloughs.
How will this affect environmental protection and cleanup?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will stop inspecting most hazardous waste sites, as
well as drinking water and chemical facilities. Efforts to address dangerous contaminants like
PFAS — which are linked to severe health effects, including cancer — will be delayed, and
cleanup activities at Superfund sites will slow or cease.
What is the impact on food assistance?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will
quickly run out of funding and be unable to provide food for children and parents in need. In the
case of a prolonged shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may also be affected.
What is the impact on food safety activities?
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety activities — such as routine inspections of
facilities — will be delayed across the country.
What is the impact on housing?
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will stop insuring some new mortgages and
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will stop processing some new loans. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) will stop new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans. Funding for federal housing assistance programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, may be jeopardized in a prolonged shutdown.
How will this affect small businesses?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) will stop processing new business loans, such as
through the 7(a) and 504 programs. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue
regular operations.
Will my mail still arrive?
Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.
What does this mean for medical research?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be forced to delay new clinical trials.
Will I still be able to visit National Parks and monuments?
Across the country, services that require National Park Service staff — including trash removal
and operating campgrounds and concessions — may be stopped. Closures will be determined on a location-by-location basis; open-air parks and monuments in Washington, D.C., will likely
remain accessible. Smithsonian museums may also be impacted by a lengthy shutdown.
How does this affect passports and help for Americans overseas?
Consular services, passport services, and visa services are expected to continue in the immediate aftermath of a government shutdown. In a prolonged shutdown, passport and visa issuance could be slowed. Access to passport agencies located in some government buildings may be limited.
What is the impact on state and local services?
The federal government shutdown will not immediately affect any state or local services.
However, with federal funding cut off, some state or local governments may have to change their operations. Check with state and local agencies for specific questions.
