Government Shutdown: What You Need to Know & How We Can Help

October 2, 2025- WASHINGTON, D.C. - Republicans control the House, Senate, and White House, yet they have failed to provide the responsible leadership needed to keep the government open. This failure has resulted in a shutdown. Republicans must join Democrats in doing what's right for the people of Alabama and the nation.

My offices remain open to serve and assist you during this shutdown. We've compiled key resources and answers to common questions below to help you understand what a shutdown could mean for you and your family.

SHUTDOWN FAQ: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Please note: This FAQ is based on previous government shutdowns and the most current details available. However, some agency contingency plans are still being updated, and operations or staffing could change as new guidance is released.

Will federal agencies shut down?

Yes, many federal agencies have suspended non-essential operations. However, essential services, including military operations, law enforcement, and certain health programs, remain active. The federal courts will continue to be open. Some agencies like the IRS have enough funds to operate for a short time, using their reserves until those funds are exhausted. Other agencies have already closed their doors to everyone but essential personnel.

Will I still receive my benefits?

Yes, most major benefits programs like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare, and Medicaid will continue without interruption. However, processing of new applications or changes to existing benefits may experience delays.

Social Security and SSI: The Social Security Administration (SSA) will maintain limited services such as issuing Social Security cards and scheduling appointments for benefit applications. However, some activities like benefit verifications and processing overpayments may be paused, which could lead to longer wait times for customer service.

Medicare and Medicaid: Current beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits as usual.

SNAP and WIC: Benefits for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) typically continue during a shutdown, but application processing and certain administrative functions may slow down or pause. Please check with your local program office for any specific changes or updates.

Will my mail still arrive?

Yes, the U.S. Postal Service operates independently of the federal budget and will continue mail delivery without interruption.

What is the impact on veterans' services?

Veterans will still be able to access health care, as all VA medical facilities and clinics remain fully operational during the shutdown. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans. The VA will continue to process benefits, but many support services are suspended.

The GI Bill Hotline and other VA support phone lines are closed until funding is restored.

Regional VA benefits offices are closed.

Public affairs outreach, career counseling, and transition assistance programs have been halted.

Burials at veterans' cemeteries will continue, but staff will not permanently place headstones or maintain cemetery grounds during the shutdown.

Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended?

No. Military and federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed.

What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?

All active-duty military personnel and federal law enforcement officers are considered essential and are required to work. They will not receive pay until after the shutdown concludes.

Will commercial air travel be affected?

Air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and Customs and Border Protection agents remain on duty during the shutdown. However, they are working without pay until the shutdown ends.

What is the impact on small businesses?

The SBA's Disaster Loan Program remains operational. However, the agency has paused processing new business loans through the 7(a), 504, and Microloan programs, as well as support for 8(a) Business Development, All Small Mentor-Protégé, Women-Owned Small Business Contracting, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Contracting programs.

What is the impact on federal housing loans?

Federal housing programs are significantly disrupted during the shutdown. Most loan and assistance programs face delays or suspension, including:

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has stopped insuring new mortgages.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development has halted processing new loans.

The Department of Agriculture has suspended rural housing loans and grants, including Section 502 and 504 loans for low-income rural borrowers.

New FHA and VA home loan applications are delayed, though loans already in process may still close with lender cooperation.

Processing of new housing vouchers and certain rental assistance programs is paused.

Support services, such as housing counseling hotlines, are unavailable.

Existing homeowners with federally backed mortgages can continue to make payments, but access to new credit is slowed until funding is restored.

What is the impact on disaster relief efforts?

During a government shutdown, FEMA staff continue to respond to life-saving and life-safety emergencies, with core disaster response functions generally preserved under "excepted" status. However, many supporting and recovery operations may be slowed or suspended, including:

Disaster Relief Fund payments and immediate assistance (such as housing, medical aid, and search & rescue) proceed if funds remain available.

Long-term recovery planning, mitigation grants, and rebuilding programs may be delayed.

New disaster declarations might be slower to process or acted on with limited staff.

Certain support programs, including public outreach and noncritical technical assistance, may be halted or reduced.

States and local governments may need to take on more responsibility for disaster response and recovery during this time.

What is the impact on food safety activities?

Urgent outbreak investigations, recalls, and high-risk food inspections continue without interruption.

The Food and Drug Administration delays routine inspections of food processing facilities, warehouses, and lower-risk plants.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors remain active in federally regulated meat and poultry plants to ensure safe production.

Reviews of food additives, contaminants, and long-term chemical safety assessments are paused.

Rulemaking, compliance follow-ups, and non-emergency regulatory reviews are put on hold.

Import oversight for lower-risk foreign facilities is reduced, potentially creating gaps in monitoring.

Can I still contact your office?

Yes, our office remains open and is here to assist you. If you need help navigating federal agencies during the shutdown or have other concerns, please contact us.

Washington, DC: (202) 225-4931

Mobile, AL: (251) 283-6280

Montgomery, AL: (334) 777-5700

STAY INFORMED: KEY FEDERAL RESOURCES

Benefits & Payments

Social Security Administration (SSA): ssa.gov - For Social Security and SSI questions and services.

Medicare & Medicaid: medicare.gov - Information on healthcare benefits during the shutdown.

Veterans Services

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): va.gov - Access to VA medical facilities and benefits; note some phone services and regional offices may be closed during the shutdown.

Military & Federal Employees

Defense.gov: defense.gov - Updates for military personnel and federal retirees.

Office of Personnel Management (OPM): opm.gov - Information on federal employee status, furloughs, and pay.

Housing & Small Business

Federal Housing Administration (FHA): hud.gov - For housing loan status and assistance programs.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing: rd.usda.gov - Information on rural housing loans and grants.

Small Business Administration (SBA): sba.gov - Updates on loan programs and disaster assistance.

Disaster Relief & Emergency Services

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): fema.gov - Emergency response updates and disaster assistance.

Food Safety & Agriculture

Food and Drug Administration (FDA): fda.gov - Food safety updates and alerts.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety: usda.gov - Meat, poultry, and food inspection information.

Transportation & Postal Services

U.S. Postal Service (USPS): usps.com - Mail delivery continues during the shutdown.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA): tsa.gov - Airport security updates.

I have also co-sponsored several bills to protect and support our communities during a government shutdown:

H.R. 1988, Pay Federal Workers and Servicemembers Act - This bill would help ensure unpaid federal workers are eligible for unemployment benefits during government shutdowns, offering critical support during pay disruptions.

H.R. 2017, Pay Our Military Act - This bipartisan bill would help ensure that all members of the Armed Forces, including reservists on active duty, civilian personnel at the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, and associated contractors, continue to receive their pay during a shutdown.

H.R. 2016, Feed Our Families Act - This bill would help provide three months of funding into the SNAP reserve fund, allowing USDA to carry over funds and maintain benefits without delay during future funding gaps.

H.R. 1542 Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act - This bipartisan bill would help ensure that Coast Guard servicemembers continue to receive their pay during government shutdowns, providing them the same financial security as other branches of the U.S. military.