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 in Washington, D.C. working to secure a bipartisan deal that supports Southwest Ohio. We need a government funding deal 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.
Will I still get my mail?
Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.
Will air travel be affected?
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 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.
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.
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.