Government Shutdown Resources & FAQ’s
Government Shutdown Resources
As of 12:01 a.m. on October 1, funding for many federal government operations has lapsed. I voted to prevent a government shutdown by voting YES for a straight-forward, bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government with a seven-week extension through November 21, 2025. When I voted, I knew that we needed to keep the government up and running while we continued to negotiate year-long spending bills and other issues. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats continue to block this legislation, resulting in a government shutdown.
Despite the shutdown, my office is here to help residents of Arizona’s Sixth District with issues they are facing with federal agencies. While many federal agencies may have slower response times and minimal staffing, we can still submit requests and advocate on your behalf. You can submit casework requests on our website here.
I am also committed to keeping you informed about how the shutdown may or may not affect you. Many essential services, like Social Security payments, will still be provided as Congress works toward a solution. Federal agencies closing operations are still working on their shutdown plans and the length of the shutdown will impact which services are available. Please see below for answers to common questions and do not hesitate to reach out to my office during this time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How did we get here?
The U.S. Congress must pass annual appropriations measures in order to fund federal government agencies by October 1. On September 19, I supported a measure that passed the House of Representatives extending current federal funding until November 21 while we finish our work for the full fiscal year. This was a clean, straightforward extension of existing funding without extraneous policies attached.
Unfortunately, this proposal did not pass the Senate, as Senate Democrats blocked the measure and shut down the government. This means that many federal agencies do not currently have the authority to operate. Other programs deemed essential are allowed by law to continue.
If I have an issue with a federal agency, can I still call them for help?
During a federal government shutdown, many federal departments and agencies furlough workers, so most agencies will have little to no staffing. If you are having trouble with contacting a federal agency, please contact my office https://ciscomani.house.gov/services/help-federal-agencyhere. During this shutdown, my office will continue to submit inquiries to federal agencies including requesting updates on constituents behalf, submitting paperwork, and opening new cases.
Will I continue to receive Social Security, SSI, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits?
Social Security and SSI payments will continue uninterrupted. Limited SSA services like card issuance and benefits applications persist, but verifications, overpayment processing, and customer service face delays and longer wait times.
Medicare and Medicaid benefits and coverage will continue, as long as the shutdown lasts under three months. This includes open enrollment starting October 15th. However, contacting agencies may be difficult due to furloughed staff, so communications may be delayed.
Do Veterans receive benefits during the shutdown?
The VA cannot conduct public affairs outreach activities during a shutdown, meaning some Veterans may not receive the usual level of communication and support from the VA that they are used to. Additionally, many regional VA offices often close during a government shutdown, which will affect in-person services, and operations like career counseling, transition assistance, and cemetery grounds maintenance may be unavailable, as they are considered "non-essential."
Most crucial benefits and services provided by the VA continue to Veterans during a shutdown. Essential functions that will continue include benefit processing like compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits, veteran healthcare, burials at VA national cemeteries, and appeal processing.
How are active-duty service members affected?
Sadly, active-duty service members will not be paid until the Democrats decide to reopen the government or if Congress passes legislation explicitly authorizing military pay.
Additionally, services on military installations, such as childcare centers and commissaries, could face operational adjustments or closures depending on the length of a shutdown and the specific funding sources. If your child goes to day care at an on-base Child Development Center, it is recommended to call and check for closures. Some centers may remain open, while others will likely close on a case-by-case basis.
How are food assistance programs like SNAP, WIC, and Head Start affected?
SNAP benefits will continue for at least one month post shutdown or until resources run out. A prolonged shutdown will risk disruptions for residents.
WIC benefits may be delayed or suspended. State and local operations will continue only until resources deplete, so, therefore, a prolonged shutdown risks serious disruptions for millions of recipients.
Head Start grants cannot be awarded during a government shutdown. If this affects you, you should contact your child's Head Start program for further guidance.
Will my mail still be delivered?
Yes, all USPS operations will continue unaffected, as it is an independent agency not reliant on annual appropriations.
I have a trip to Washington, D.C. soon. What should I expect?
During a government shutdown, the Capitol Visitor Center will be closed and there will be no public tours of the U.S. Capitol building. The Library of Congress, U.S. Botanical Garden, White House, National Archives, U.S. Treasury, and the FBI building will also be closed to the public. We have also been notified that should the government still be shutdown on October 11, 2025, the Smithsonian museums will be forced to close beginning on October 12, 2025. We encourage you to look into any tour or visit you have previously scheduled.
I am a federal retiree. Will I still receive my monthly annuity payment?
Yes, federal retirees under the Civil Service Retirement System and Federal Employees Retirement System will continue to receive their scheduled annuity payments on the first business day of the month. However, contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan will be halted until the government reopens.
As a government contractor, what should I expect?
New contracts or modifications are unlikely to be issued and there will be delays in the acquisition process for procurements. However, I would recommend reaching out to the contracting officer on each project as it is possible that some contracts will remain unaffected.
Will travel, immigration, and tax services be impacted?
Air traffic controllers, TSA, and CBP agents and officers work without pay. Passport processing is unaffected. All services at international embassies and consulates continue during a shutdown. If you are abroad and need help, you can still contact the nearest U.S. embassy.
However, tax operations at the IRS could be delayed. This includes phone support, disputes, and refunds.
We are Here for You!
My office continues to stand ready to assist you as we continue to navigate this government shutdown process together. If you have any questions or concerns about any of the above information, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We are here to serve you and are happy to do so.