Update on Government Shutdown and Guidance

Last Updated October 20, 2025

Dear friend,

As you may know, a government shutdown began at 12:00 AM on Wednesday, October 1, after a funding authorization for the federal government expired. A shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass appropriations bills or a continuing resolution (CR) to fund federal agencies and programs by the fiscal year deadline (September 30), leading to a lapse in authorized funding.

One month ago, my House Republican colleagues and I took decisive action to keep the government open and avoid this situation by passing a measure, commonly referred to as a Clean Continuing Resolution, that would maintain current funding levels through November 21. This temporary measure also gives negotiators in both the House and Senate time to work toward a long-term spending agreement.

Unfortunately, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer's counteroffer to the Clean Continuing Resolution includes $1.5 trillion in additional spending and partisan provisions.

Government shutdowns have real and painful consequences for families across Florida's 26th–including our troops, veterans, and U.S. national security. As Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, I am proud of the work we've done to complete all 12 Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills on time, keeping the regular appropriations process on track and in order.

I remain committed to finding a solution that cuts wasteful spending, keeps America safe, and prioritizes the needs of hardworking Floridians. I also understand that this shutdown will create uncertainty and hardship for many in our community. That's why I am sharing the information below to help answer some of the most common questions about what the shutdown means for you and your family.

Constituent Services

My offices have remained open throughout this shutdown.

If you are experiencing an issue with a federal agency, please call my office at 305-470-8555 or complete this form, and we will assist you with the necessary paperwork to file your case as soon as possible.

Will I continue to receive Social Security, SSI, Medicare, or Medicaid Benefits

Social Security and SSI: Payments continue uninterrupted; limited SSA services like card issuance and benefit applications persist, but verifications, overpayment processing, and customer service face delays and longer wait times.
Medicare and Medicaid: Benefits and coverage continue (assuming shutdown under three months), including open enrollment starting October 15; however, contacting agencies may be difficult due to furloughed staff, and some communications could be delayed or outdated.

Will state and local services be affected?

With no new federal funding, some state or local governments may have to change their operations. Please check with state and local agencies for specific questions. Updates may be found here:

Do furloughed employees get back pay?

Yes, under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, all furloughed or unpaid essential workers receive immediate retroactive pay once funding resumes.

Do Veterans continue to receive benefits during a government shutdown?

Many crucial benefits and services provided by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continue for Veterans during a government shutdown. Essential functions include:
- Benefits processing like compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits
- Veteran healthcare, to include the Veterans Crisis Line
- Burials at VA national cemeteries
The Board of Veterans' Appeals will continue to process appeals during a shutdown to ensure Veterans' requests and concerns are addressed in a timely manner.
It is important to note that a government shutdown will lead to some restrictions and disruptions and could affect the following areas for Veterans:
- The VA cannot conduct public affairs outreach activities during a government shutdown; this means that some Veterans may not receive the usual level of communication and support from the VA they might be used to.
- VA regional offices are often closed during a government shutdown which may affect in-person services.
- Operations like career counseling and transition assistance and cemetery grounds maintenance may be unavailable as they are often considered non-essential.

How are Active-Duty service members affected?

The President has directed the Department of War to fund military payroll on October 15^th. The Administration has identified an estimated $7.9 billion in unspent FY 2025 War Department funds that remain available in FY 2026.
The Department of War will pay the military members on active duty using the FY 2025 two-year funding from the Service Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation accounts that remain available for use in FY 2026. This should not impact any critical programs or missions during this time.
Once the Congress provides the FY 2026 military payroll funding, either through an FY 2026 Continuing Resolution or an FY 2026 Defense appropriations bill, the Department of War will restore funding to the Service Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation accounts.
Services on military installations, such as childcare centers and commissaries, could face operational adjustments or closures depending on the length of the shutdown and the specific funding sources.
In past government shutdowns, schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) were deemed essential and were to remain open during the regular school year. However, sporting events and extracurricular activities, including sports practices, might be paused unless the activity is fully funded by other means.
If your child goes to day care at an on-base Child Development Center (CDC), it is recommended to call and check for closures. Some centers might remain open, while others will likely close on a case-by-case basis.

Will my mail still be delivered?

Yes, the U.S. Postal Service will not be interrupted as it is an independent agency not reliant on annual appropriations.

What about food assistance programs like SNAP, WIC, and Head Start?

SNAP: Benefits continue for at least 1-month post-shutdown (e.g., until resources run out); prolonged shutdowns risk disruptions for recipients.
WIC: President Trump and the White House have identified a creative solution to transfer 232 tariff revenue to this critical program.
Head Start: Some grants cannot be awarded; impacts worsen over time for childcare support. You should contact your child’s Head Start program for further guidance.

What about disaster relief, environmental protection, and public health?

FEMA responds to emergencies, but long-term projects and Disaster Relief Fund activities will be delayed due to lack of funding. Furthermore, NOAA, and by extension the NWS, will remain operational. Emergency and disaster assistance will continue with delays. Issuance of new grants and interagency agreements will cease unless necessary for excepted or exempted activities.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will continue clinical care for current patients at the NIH Clinical Center, but no new patients will be admitted, and most grant-making and research support will cease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will continue operating its 24/7 emergency operations center, outbreak detection, laboratory testing, and critical health monitoring. Many research projects, grant programs, and communications functions will cease.
Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities will remain open and continue providing care. Certain administrative and support staff may be reduced.
All Food and Drug Administration (FDA) activities related to imminent threats to the safety of human life or protection of property will continue. This includes addressing existing critical public health challenges by managing recalls, mitigating drug shortages, and responding to outbreaks related to foodborne illness and infectious diseases.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will continue operations related to certain farm loan processing items, certain natural resource and conservation programs, core nutrition safety net programs, essential food safety operations to protect public health, responding to and preparing for wildland fires, activities supported by user fees, and animal and plant health emergency programs (including new world screwworm, highly pathogenic avian influenza, exotic fruit flies, African swine fever, and rabies).

How are student loans, small business, and housing affected?

Student Loans: Payments remain required; processing for FAFSA, Pell Grants, and loan forgiveness delays due to Department of Education staff furloughs.
Small Businesses: The Small Business Administration halts new loans. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations.
Housing: The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will have limited staff during a shutdown, and the processing or closing of FHA-insured loans may be delayed. All FHA underwriting and processing requirements would remain in force during the government shutdown, and no loan may be endorsed that does not fulfill those requirements.

Will travel, immigration, and tax services be impacted?

Travel: Air traffic controllers, TSA, and CBP agents work without pay.
Passport Processing: is unaffected and will continue. All services at international embassies and consulates continue during a shutdown. If you are abroad and need help, you can contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Taxes: IRS operations (phone support, disputes, refunds) could be delayed.

How does this affect Americans abroad?

All consular, passport, and visa assistance may be delayed. Updates from your local embassy may be found here: Official list of embassies from the U.S. Department of State.

I'm a federal retiree. Will I still receive my monthly annuity payment during a government shutdown?

Yes, federal retirees under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) will continue to receive their scheduled annuity payments on the first business day of the month.
Contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan will be halted until the government reopens. Please check Lapse in Appropriations (government shutdown) | The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for updates.

I have a trip to Washington D.C. planned 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.
All Library of Congress buildings, the U.S. Botanic Garden, the White House, the National Archives, the U.S. Treasury, and the FBI Building will also be closed to the public.
The Smithsonian Museums will continue to stay open until Monday, October 6th. More updates may be found here: Smithsonian Institution | Home

I would like to purchase a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol. Can I still request one?

No. The U.S. Capitol Flag Office will be closed during the shutdown. Flag requests cannot be processed.

I'm a federal employee. What are some good resources for me during this shutdown?

Shutdown Financial Resources for U.S. Armed Forces Service Members, Federal Employees, Federal Contractors

This is not an endorsement of any individual financial offering nor a holistic list of all available options.

0% Interest Loans for Current Paycheck Value, up to $6,000

Eligibility

Service Members
Federal Employees
Federal Contractors paid directly by the Federal Government

**Limited to members with prior direct deposits with associated financial institution**

Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU)* – Must register at least one day prior to the date your direct deposit of pay would have been scheduled to process into your NFCU account; repayment occurs automatically as backpay is received.

USAA* – Repayment split into 2 equal installments due at 60 days and again at 90 days. Also offers special payment arrangements for lines of credit, loans, and premiums.

PenFed Credit Union* – Must submit furlough letter; requires repayment within 10 days of backpay receipt.

First Command* – Provides coverage for up to 6 months during shutdown; repayment occurs automatically as backpay is received.

Army Emergency Relief – Limited to Army personnel (Active, Reserve, Guard, and Retirees), their dependents, surviving spouses and children; requires repayment within 30 days of backpay receipt.

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance – Limited to Coast Guard personnel (Active & Reserves), Civilian Employees, and PHS Officers and Chaplains; repayment due within 3 months of first receipt of backpay. Additional loan options available.

Other Financial Relief Plans

Air Force Aid Society
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
Many banks and credit unions are offering short-term relief loans, payment deferrals, loan forbearance, and fee/penalty waivers. Resource links provided are not all-encompassing.

All Agency contingency plans.