My Office Remains Open During This Shutdown
As you may know, a federal government shutdown began at 12:01 AM on Wednesday, October 1st, after funding lapsed.
This situation could have been avoided. On September 19th, I voted for a clean continuing resolution (CR) to fully fund the government through November 21st. While the CR passed the House, Senate Democrats are playing political games and have unfortunately refused to support this commonsense legislation and instead are insisting on $1.5 trillion for a hyper-partisan wishlist of additional spending.
I know there is concern that this shutdown will impact families across Virginia’s Second District, and I want you to know that I am actively working on a solution to reopen the government.
Please see the information below to address some of the most common ways the shutdown will impact Virginians.
My Offices
My team and I will be working for you throughout this shutdown. We will continue to respond to messages, emails, and phone calls. Unfortunately, our ability to help constituents with casework will be affected by the shutdown, as many departments and agencies will not be processing casework at this time. However, that work will resume once federal funding is resolved. If you are experiencing an issue with a federal agency, please call my district office at (757) 364-7650, my D.C. office at (202) 225-4215, or visit my website and we will work with you on the paperwork that must be completed so we can file your case as soon as possible.
Please note that, during the shutdown, my team and I are unable to process flag orders or arrange tours for constituents visiting Washington, D.C.
Impacts vary by agency. Visit the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website for the latest details.
What kinds of services will continue?
While the programs listed below will continue, the agencies responsible for administering them may see reduced workforces impacting operations. This is not a comprehensive list as we are continuing to gather information.
- Social Security payments, including SSI benefits
- Medicare and Medicaid benefits
- VA medical care and benefits (although some regional offices may be closed)
- SNAP benefits (although a prolonged shutdown could create disruptions)
- Disability payments
- Mail delivery
- Federal law enforcement and military operations
- Air travel
- Federal employee retirement payments
- Student aid such as Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans
- Visits to national Smithsonian Museums (until at least Monday, October 6)
- Visa and passport services (although longer wait times are possible)
Resources for Federal Employees
As agencies shut down, federal employees will either be furloughed, or in some cases required to work without pay. Under federal law, employees are entitled to back pay upon the government reopening.
For agency-specific details, visit your department’s .gov site (e.g., www.dhs.gov, www.va.gov) and check their HR or shutdown resource pages.
