Important Information About the Government Shutdown

As of October 1, 2025, Congress has not renewed federal funding, resulting in a government shutdown. Earlier, I supported a clean, short-term funding bill to keep the government open through November 21. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats refused to act, insisting on unrelated policies being included. As a result, many agencies are now operating at reduced capacity, while critical programs required by law continue. While this shutdown persists, my team and I remain dedicated to serving the people of Texas’ Second District. I wanted to share some information that might be helpful to you and your family during this time.

• Social Security and Medicare – Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments will continue, though some new claims or verifications may be delayed.
• Veterans' Benefits – Veterans’ health care and disability compensation will remain funded and continue without interruption. However, the following VA services may be temporarily paused during the shutdown:
  • VA regional benefits offices will be closed.
  • The GI Bill Hotline will be closed.
  • Veteran career counseling and transition assistance activities are paused.
  • VA public affairs and outreach to Veterans are suspended.
  • The VA will not permanently place headstones, maintain national cemetery grounds, process pre-need burial applications, or print new Presidential Memorial Certificates.
• Mail Delivery – The U.S. Postal Service continues normal operations.
• Air Travel & Transportation – TSA and air traffic controllers remain on duty, but travelers may face longer wait times.
• National Parks & Museums – Some locations may close or limit access. My office can help check availability before you visit.
• Passports & Visas – Processing continues but may slow down. Contact my office for help with urgent travel needs.
• Federal Employees & Contractors – Federal employees who are furloughed might experience delays in pay. Contractors should check with their employers about contingency plans.

My offices remain open and prepared to assist you. Some casework may be postponed due to agency closures, but my team will continue to gather your information and prepare paperwork so that your case can progress as soon as funding is restored.

If you need assistance, please contact my Kingwood office at (713) 860-1330 or The Woodlands office at (281) 640-7720. You can also visit my website by clicking the button below for more information and resources.

Upcoming Veterans Day Salute

Friday's Community Update

I enjoyed hosting a Community Update to share what I’ve been working on in Congress and hear directly from residents about the issues that matter most. I’m grateful to everyone who took the time to come out, ask questions, and stay engaged in the work we’re doing for our district.

National Night Out in Atascocita

I had a great time at Atascocita's National Night Out. It was great to see families, first responders, and local law enforcement come together for a fun and community-focused evening.

Some Inconvenient Truths for Climate Radicals

Cato Institute’s Travis Fisher joined me to discuss the current state of climate science versus climate alarmism. We unpacked the new Department of Energy climate report that reviews the latest climate models, the impact of CO₂, ocean acidification, and hurricane trends. We also examined the effects of the EPA’s 2009 “Endangerment Finding,” a regulation that has had major consequences for American innovation and prosperity. Finally, we talked about the path forward toward energy realism — reliable, affordable, and secure energy paired with innovation-driven, commonsense environmental progress.

Travis Fisher is the director of energy and environmental policy studies at the Cato Institute. He has nearly 20 years of experience in energy policy, including leadership roles at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Institute for Energy Research, and the Department of Energy during the first Trump administration. He most recently served again on a detail to the Department of Energy under Secretary Chris Wright, where he managed the development of the new climate report. You can find him on X at @ts_fisher and read his research at the Cato Institute.

OUR OFFICES:

Washington Office |248 Cannon HOB | Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-6565

Kingwood Office |1849 Kingwood Dr, Suite 100 | Kingwood, TX 77339
(713) 860-1330

The Woodlands Office |2829 Technology Forest, Suite #280 | The Woodlands, TX 77381 
(281)  640-7720