We’re in a Government Shutdown
We know a government shutdown brings uncertainty for federal workers, members of the military, and many American families. Constituents are asking which agencies and programs will remain open, which will be limited, and which may be paused. We’ve provided information available right now, and will continue to update you as new details are available.
I’m working to secure a bipartisan deal that supports Southwest Ohio. One that allows our federal government to run responsibly, protects your healthcare, and lowers costs. A shutdown hurts hardworking families.
Team Landsman is here for you, and our offices will stay open to continue serving constituents. The easiest way to reach us is HERE.
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How did we get here?
Congress is required to pass a government funding bill each year to keep the government open. This year, the Majority in the House and Senate failed to do so, and have refused to work with the Minority on a bipartisan agreement. We’re working to fund the government, protect healthcare, and lower costs.
Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?
During a shutdown, you will continue to receive your Social Security and SSI checks. The Social Security Administration will continue providing limited services like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications. The SSA will stop some activities like benefit verifications and processing overpayments, and customer service wait times will likely increase.
Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?
Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance will be largely unaffected by a shutdown lasting less than three months. Current beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits.
What happened to veterans’ services?
All Veterans Affairs medical facilities and clinics will remain fully open. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits.
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.
Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown?
When the government shuts down, federal agencies are required to classify employees as either “essential” or “non-essential.”
Essential employees work without pay during the shutdown. Non-essential employees are put on unpaid furlough. Under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, all federal employees are retroactively paid for the duration of the shutdown upon its conclusion.
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 essential and required to work. Federal law enforcement is also required to work. Both military personnel and federal law enforcement will not be paid until after the shutdown is over.
What is the impact on mail delivery?
The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.
What is the impact on food assistance?
Funding for WIC will run out of remaining funding quickly and may be unable to provide food for children and parents in need. SNAP recipients should expect to receive their monthly allotment and retailers will continue to accept SNAP benefits. SNAP applications and the ability for employees at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to send out new benefits could be affected by a shutdown. If the shutdown lasts more than 30 days, there could be bigger impacts on the program.
What is the impact on air travel?
In previous shutdowns, air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and Customs and Border Protection agents remained on the job. Like all federal employees, they will not be paid until the shutdown is over.
What is the impact on international travel?
All services at international embassies and consulates will continue during a lapse of appropriations. If you are abroad and need help, you can contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Was is the impact on passports?
The State Department will continue to process passport applications and visa requests as long as funding and the collection of fees allow. However, delayed processing times are expected.
What is the impact on small businesses?
The Small Business Administration will stop processing new business loans, However, the SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations.
What is the impact on federal housing loans?
The Federal Housing Administration will stop processing new applications for housing loans. The Department of Agriculture also stops new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans.
What is the impact on food safety activities?
During a shutdown, some Food and Drug Administration food safety activities, such as routine inspections of facilities, were delayed.
What is the impact on student loans?
Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans should continue to be obligated and disbursed during a federal shutdown, but only as long as carryover and mandatory appropriations last. The department staff needed to carry out these functions are significantly reduced during a shutdown. Free Applications for Student Aid (FAFSA), Pell Grant, and Federal Direct Student Loans, and servicing of federal student loans should continue for a “very limited time” under a shutdown.
What is the impact on disaster relief efforts?
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff should still respond to emergencies, but long-term projects will be delayed due to a lack of funding in the Disaster Relief Fund.
Will my tour in DC still take place?
All tours of the Capitol, White House, FBI, Library of Congress, National Archives, Supreme Court, State Department, and Historic Treasury are canceled during the shutdown.
What is the impact on national parks and monuments?
To date, NPS guidance has not been released. National Park 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. Many services and facilities could be impacted – including visitor centers, educational programs, restrooms, trash collection, and road maintenance. There would also be limited emergency/rescue services and safety updates would not be published. Please keep this in mind when planning any visits to national parks.
How can you get help?
If you have questions about how government services you depend on are being impacted, call our Cincinnati office at 513-810-7988 or the DC office at 202-225-2216.
Please note, we will have a limited ability to assist constituents with casework depending on what federal agencies are deemed as essential employees.