Government Shutdown Resources
Republicans in the House passed a clean continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government open and working for the American people. However, the Democrats did not - and they continue to hold government funding hostage to force their radical demands of the nation. Now, as a result, we are experiencing a Democrat-led government shutdown.
It is truly a shame, as this Schumer shutdown is pure political theater that will have very real consequences. As a result, the paychecks of so many Americans are at risk, our border security and national security is weakened, and the pricey cost that will be placed on the taxpayers to reopen the government grows with each day this CR collects dust on Senator Schumer's desk.
I know this will affect many Oklahomans - and, as your Congressman, I am committed to keeping you informed about how the shutdown may impact your daily life. During this shutdown, both my Washington, D.C. and Oklahoma offices will remain open to support you and your family.
Continue reading below for more details and the answers to some commonly asked questions.
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 at 405-329-6500. 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 many 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. It is also likely that some Smithsonian Museums will be closed to visitors, so I would recommend checking the museum websites for information.
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 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 at 405-329-6500. We are here to serve you and are happy to do so.