Government Shutdown FAQs

On Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 12:01am ET, the federal government experienced a lapse in appropriations funding and entered a shutdown. Rather than protect working families, Republicans refused to negotiate a spending bill that would extend critical healthcare tax credits that would keep insurance premiums from skyrocketing.

Rest assured, my office will remain open to provide services and support throughout this shutdown. We appreciate your patience and kindness as my team navigates this difficult time. 

Federal agencies may be operating at reduced capacity, but PA-12 residents can continue submitting casework requests here.

Below, I have provided some answers to frequently asked questions about the shutdown below. You can also call my DC office at (202) 225-2135 or my District office at (412) 214-5000 with questions or to share your concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a government shutdown?

Each year, Congress must pass legislation to fund government operations for the coming fiscal year. This year, Republicans—who control the House, Senate, and White House–refused to negotiate in good faith and extend healthcare tax credits for millions of people across the country. During a shutdown, all types of federal spending are put on pause until a budget agreement can be reached.

How long will this last?

It’s unclear. Some shutdowns last less than a day, while the longest lasted for over a month. The government remains shut down until Congress can come to an agreement about funding. I’ll do my best to update you throughout this process. Please subscribe to receive updates here.

Will my mail still arrive?

Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.

How does this affect passports and help for Americans overseas?

Consular services, passport services, and visa services are expected to continue in the immediate aftermath of a government shutdown. In a prolonged shutdown, passport and visa issuance could be slowed. Access to passport agencies located in some government buildings may be limited.

Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?

Recipients will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will provide limited services like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications. However, SSA will stop services like benefit verifications and processing overpayments. Customer service wait times could dramatically increase.

Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?

Current Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits assuming a shutdown lasts less than three months.

What happens to veterans’ services?

All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits. However, veterans will be affected by the shutdown of other services that they count on, including education and job training, support for veteran-owned businesses, and even assistance for homeless veterans.

Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown?

When the government shuts down, federal agencies are required to classify their employees whose salaries have lapsed as either “essential” or “nonessential.” The employees classified as “essential” work without pay during the shutdown. The employees classified as “nonessential” are put on unpaid furlough.

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

All active-duty and Guard and Reservists on active-duty orders are excepted and therefore are required to work without pay. On-base non-acute health care will cease, although off-base care provided through Tricare will not be affected. On-base childcare will be open on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement will also be required to work without pay for the duration of a shutdown.  

Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended?

Military and federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed.

Will air travel be affected?

Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents will remain on the job without pay. If some do not report to work, as has happened in prior shutdowns, there will be significant delays and longer wait times across the country.

How will this affect environmental protection and cleanup?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will stop inspecting most hazardous waste sites, as well as drinking water and chemical facilities. Efforts to address dangerous contaminants like PFAS—which are linked to severe health effects, including cancer—will be delayed, and cleanup activities at Superfund sites will slow or cease.

What is the impact on food assistance?

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will quickly run out of funding and be unable to provide food for infants and parents in need. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will continue, at least for the month of October. If the shutdown extends past October, there will be serious consequences to SNAP.

What is the impact on food safety activities?

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety activities — such as routine inspections of facilities — will be delayed across the country.

What is the impact on housing?

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will stop insuring some new mortgages and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will stop processing some new loans. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) will stop new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans. Funding for federal housing assistance programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, may be jeopardized in a prolonged shutdown.

How will this affect small businesses?

The Small Business Administration (SBA) will stop processing new business loans, such as through the 7(a) and 504 programs. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations.

Will I still be able to visit National Parks and monuments?

Across the country, services that require National Park Service staff — including trash removal and operating campgrounds and concessions — may be stopped. Closures will be determined on a location-by-location basis; open-air parks and monuments in Washington, D.C. will likely remain accessible. Smithsonian museums may also be impacted by a lengthy shutdown.

What is the impact on state and local services?

The federal government shutdown will not immediately affect any state or local services. However, with federal funding cut off, some state or local governments may have to change their operations. Check with state and local agencies for specific questions.