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Dear Neighbor,
Like many of you, I am outraged that conservatives in Washington decided to shut down the government and ignored Democrats in the process. Republicans control the US House of Representatives, the US Senate, and the White House. Days before the shutdown, Speaker Mike Johnson canceled all previously scheduled House votes just days before the shutdown began on October 1st. Since then, the Speaker has not brought the House back into session to allow conservatives and Democrats to meet and end this painful government shutdown.
In July, conservatives passed what President Trump called the “Big Beautiful Bill” into law, without any support from Democratic Members of Congress. There was nothing beautiful about the bill that, according to the Congressional Budget Office, cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and made it easier for billionaires to pay less in taxes. Now, a month into the government shutdown, these same conservatives are refusing to meet with Democrats to reopen the government.
The American people deserve better!
I will continue to fight hard for each of you to ensure we have a functioning government that benefits all Americans. Below you’ll find important information about what’s open, what’s affected, and where you can turn for help during the shutdown.
| What is a Government Shutdown? |
This government shutdown occurred because President Trump and conservatives in Washington have not passed a funding bill to keep the government running. Without a spending law to fund the government, many parts of the federal government must stop or slow down their work until a new budget is approved. This means millions of families across the country can miss paychecks. Some services, like Social Security checks, Medicare, mail delivery, and military operations, continue as usual. Other services, such as small business loans, national parks, and food safety inspections, slow down or stop. |
| How to Reach My Office |
District Office: (323) 757-8900
Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Washington, DC Office: (202) 225-2201
Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
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| Casework & Agency Help |
We can open a case, submit inquiries, and track your issue. If an agency is closed or operating at limited capacity, we will update you as soon as we have new information. |
| Social Security and SSI |
• Payments continue. Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices and the national 1-800 number remain open.
• Some services may pause or slow, including benefit verifications and overpayment processing.
• If you cannot reach SSA, contact our office and we will assist. |
| Food & Nutrition (WIC, SNAP) and TANF |
• Women Infants & Children (WIC): Benefits reduced during the shutdown.
• SNAP: Benefits may pause starting November 1st
• TANF (CalWORKs): This State-administered program may continue using state funds; check with the LA County Department of Public Social Services.
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| Housing, Mortgages & Consumer Financial Protections |
• Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rental assistance (including public housing) is funded through the calendar year, but prolonged shutdowns can stress local administration.
• FHA: Limited staffing may delay processing or closing of FHA-insured loans.
• VA home loans activities continue as normal.
• Facing foreclosure or hardship? Contact your HUD-approved counselor.
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| Medicare, Medicaid, and Covered California |
• Benefits for Medicare and Medicaid (also known as MediCal in California) continue.
• Covered California open enrollment still begins November 1, 2025. You can compare plans and enroll as normal.
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| Practical Steps You Can Take Now |
• Document impacts. Keep pay stubs, leave notices, or contractor communications.
• Call lenders and landlords early. Request hardship or forbearance options.
• Check benefit status online, where possible, to avoid long call waits.
• If you’re traveling, arrive early and monitor airport alerts.
• If you need food assistance, contact Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)/SNAP.
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| Quick Help & Hotlines |
•California Employment and Development Department (Unemployment): 1-800-300-5616
•Social Security Administration (SSA): 1-800-772-1213
•Social Security Administration TTY: 1-800-325-0778
•Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
•Medicare TTY: 1-877-486-2048
•Covered California Service Center: 1-800-300-1506
•HUD Housing Counselor: 1-800-569-4287
•Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 (24/7)
•Veterans Affairs Main: (1-800-698-2411)
•Veterans Affairs Benefits Line: 1-800-827-1000
•Internal Revenue Service (IRS): 1-800-829-1040
•Student Aid: 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)
•US Citizenship and Immigration Services:
1-800-375-5283
•U.S. Passports (Status/Info): 1-877-487-2778
•Small Business Administration: 1-800-659-2955 |
Please know that my offices remain open and ready to help you navigate any challenges you face. I encourage you to share this newsletter with anyone who may need assistance. Remember, we are stronger when we look out for one another.
Sincerely,
Member of Congress
Washington, DC Office
2221 Rayburn
House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2201
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Hawthorne District Office
13605 Hawthorne Blvd.
Hawthorne, CA 90250
Phone: (323) 757-8900
Fax: (323) 757-9506
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