Government Shutdown Information

Regretfully, it appears likely that the federal government will shut down on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Congressional Republicans are sadly following the orders of President Trump and refusing to negotiate a bipartisan budget with Democrats, choosing instead to jam a partisan Continuing Resolution through Congress that will continue their decimation of Americans' healthcare, as well as cuts to important programs that were previously negotiated on a bipartisan basis.

It is important to remember that democracy demands compromise.

Despite controlling the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives, Republicans’ inability to govern is the cause of this chaos. They are willing to force another harmful shutdown instead of coming to the negotiating table to work with Democrats to craft a bipartisan budget bill that addresses the unsustainable rise in healthcare costs and needs of our communities.

As I continue working to find a bipartisan solution to end the latest Republican shutdown, I wanted to provide some useful information to the people of Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District.

What is a federal government shutdown? Who will be affected?

Every year, Congress must pass legislation to fund government operations for the upcoming fiscal year. If a new appropriations bill isn't enacted by the deadline, Congress needs to pass a temporary measure, known as a Continuing Resolution (CR), which sustains the government's funding at its current level. In the absence of an approved appropriations bill or a CR, the government faces a shutdown due to the lack of authorized funding.

Each government agency has its own contingency plans for how to operate during a federal shutdown. Many agencies will have to stop or reduce the essential services they provide during this lapse in funding, as well as furlough non-essential employees and have essential employees work without pay.

What does that mean for the people of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District?

Many federal agencies will be forced to furlough staff, which will slow response times and could suspend critical government services altogether. This may include but is not limited to passport appointments, assistance with Social Security, Medicaid, and IRS, and some services from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Although paychecks for federal workers, including my congressional staff, will be withheld, my team will continue to work to assist constituents to the best of our ability. Because federal agencies will be shut down, we expect delays, but we appreciate your patience as we work through this difficult time.

To help you plan for this possible federal shutdown, my office has prepared answers to some frequently asked questions below. However, if you are in need of assistance, you can always reach out to my office at 816-842-4545 or online here.

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 will 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.

Does USPS still deliver mail?

All services under the U.S. Postal Service should continue during a government shutdown.

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 “excepted” or “not excepted.” The employees classified as “excepted” work without pay during the shutdown. The employees classified as “not excepted” 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 child care 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.

What does this mean for disaster relief efforts?

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff will still respond to emergencies, but all long-term projects will be delayed due to a lack of funding in the Disaster Relief Fund.

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 children and parents in need. In the case of a prolonged shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may also be affected.

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 my mail still arrive?

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

What does this mean for medical research?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be forced to delay new clinical trials. New patients who are waiting for a chance at new treatment through a clinical trial will be turned away.

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.

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 building may be limited.

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 and local governments may have to change their operations. Check with state and local agencies for specific questions.