Government Shutdown 2025

Funding for the federal government has expired as of October 1 after Republicans – who control the White House, the House of Representatives, and the Senate – refused to figure out a bipartisan path forward to lower costs, cancel the cuts, and save American health care . I am working to reopen critical services for families in our community while fighting to lower health care costs. 

I came to Washington to represent you, and I am ready to work with anyone at any time and fight for crucial funding to reopen the government.

If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my district office in New Haven at (203) 562-3718.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Washington, D.C. for tours? 

U.S. Capitol, FBI, White House, and the Library of Congress tours are suspended. 

The National Mall remains open, as do open-air monuments, though the Washington Monument and visitor centers are closed. Smithsonian Museums, including the National Zoo, will be open at least through Monday, October 6th. 

Can I request a U.S. flag from the office?

The Capitol’s flag office is closed. If you request a flag to be flown over the Capitol during the lapse in funding, your request will be delayed until the shutdown ends.

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 continue providing limited services like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications. However, SSA will stop some activities like benefit verifications and processing overpayments, and the public will likely experience increased wait times for customer service.

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 is the impact on veterans' services?

All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain fully operational. 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 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. Under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, all federal employees are retroactively paid for the duration of the shutdown upon its conclusion. Donald Trump has threatened to needlessly fire thousands of federal workers during a shutdown, as he has been trying to do all year. 

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. On-base non-acute health care may cease, but off-base care provided through Tricare is not affected. On-base child care is open on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement are also required to work. Both military personnel and federal law enforcement will not be paid until after the shutdown is over. 

Will my mail still arrive?

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

Will commercial air travel be affected?

Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will remain on the job. However, like all federal employees, they will not be paid until the shutdown is over. TSA has also expressed “an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports.”

What is the impact on small businesses?

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will not accept, review, or approve any new business loans for small businesses. Barring rare exceptions, small businesses cannot receive any new federal contracts. 

What is the impact on federal housing loans?

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will stop reviewing new mortgages that are elevated by lenders but in certain cases may continue to review mortgage applications submitted prior to the shutdown. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) will also stop new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans.

What is the impact on disaster relief efforts?

FEMA staff will still respond to emergencies. In prior shutdowns, long-term projects were delayed due to a lack of funding in the Disaster Relief Fund; however, Disaster Relief Fund activities will continue operations.

What is the impact on food safety activities?

Some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety activities — such as routine inspections of facilities — will be delayed.

Can I renew my passport? 

Passport renewal services by mail or online should not be affected. Check to see if you’re eligible to renew your passport online. In person passport services should remain available, but, if located in a federal building, access to the office may be affected.