Dear Friend,

If you were watching the news this week, you would have seen a striking split screen: ongoing coverage of Senate committee hearings and a shutdown clock. It was truly a tale of two realities.  

Right now, the shutdown is putting health care coverage, paychecks, and essential services at risk for millions of Americans. But Senate Republicans are trying to operate as if this is “business as usual.” All while Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans enter their fourth week of unscheduled recess. 

CLICK HERE to watch me remind my colleagues of what’s at stake. 

There's no denying that the threat of premiums doubling is distressing, especially at a time when the cost of living is already sky high. Both Democrats and Republicans agree we must address this problem. Even conservative Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene acknowledged that this is an issue worth fixing.  

My Democratic colleagues and I have been ready to negotiate a bipartisan deal to reopen the government and restore people’s health care. There have been reports of Republicans offering a potential vote on extending ACA tax credits in exchange for reopening the government. However, as I’ve made clear, this is not a time for handshake agreements. We need urgency, trust, and concrete solutions for this crisis to end. When our Republican colleagues are ready to get serious, they know where to find us.

This week, I shared several stories from Delawareans worried about the high cost of living. As this shutdown continues, and my Republican colleagues bring us closer to a health care crisis, I want to hear more from you. 

How have the shutdown and the high cost of living impacted you? Please click here to share your story.

Please note that your stories may be used on the Senate floor, on social media, or with the press.

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, several Veterans Benefits Administration programs will continue, and burials will take place at VA national cemeteries during the shutdown. However, 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. Please check the website of the 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.

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