Government Shutdown Resources
Due to a lapse in government funding, the federal government entered a shutdown at midnight on September 30, 2025.
Both my Washington, DC, and Houston offices remain operational in the event of a shutdown, and we will be available to assist with any urgent matters. Should you have any casework/shutdown needs, please leave a detailed voicemail with our district office at (832) 325-3150 or our DC office at (202) 225-1688.
I remain committed to coming to the table to work with my colleagues across the aisle to ensure our government works for you, the American people.
Below, you can find information about the effects of a temporary government shutdown. This page will be periodically updated as new information becomes available. Please note that information may change as agencies adjust to the lapse in funding.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why does the government shut down?
The government shuts down when Congress is unable to pass appropriations bills that fund the operations of federal agencies and programs. These 12 appropriations bills are designed to fund the government until the conclusion of each fiscal year, which ends on September 30. In the absence of routine appropriations bills, Congress may pass temporary measures, known as a continuing resolution (CR). Currently, the federal government is operating under a CR that expires on September 30, 2025. In the absence of approved appropriations bills or a CR, the government faces a shutdown due to a lack of authorized funding.
Will I continue to receive my Social Security?
A shutdown will not impact Social Security benefit payments, but be aware that benefit verifications have ceased, meaning new recipients may see delays in processing their claims.
Will Medicare or Medicaid be interrupted?
Medicare and Medicaid will continue for the foreseeable future, but you may experience difficulty reaching these agencies, as some employees are furloughed. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will be unable to issue Medicare replacement cards, and could slow new enrollment processing.
Is USPS still delivering mail?
All services under the Postal Service will continue unimpacted throughout a government shutdown.
Will my student loans continue to be disbursed?
Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans can continue to be obligated and make disbursement during a shutdown, but only as long as carryover and mandatory appropriations last. However, the department staff needed to carry out and support these functions, which were significantly reduced. Free Applications for Student Aid (FAFSA), Pell Grant, and Federal Direct Student Loans, and servicing of federal student loans could continue for a “very limited time” under a shutdown. If the shutdown continues for an extended period of time, school districts, colleges, and universities may begin to experience funding shortages due to lapsed federal funding. There are also additional considerations with the Administration cutting the Department of Education workforce. While we don’t yet know exactly how this will impact specific programs that the Department of Education operates, we can expect delays.
I am a federal employee. Will I still be paid?
Under a government shutdown, all non-essential federal employees are placed on unpaid leave, also known as a furlough. However, essential employees who perform emergency work involving the safety of human life, the protection of property, or other exempted work must continue to report to their job. Each federal agency will determine which employees will be furloughed and which must continue to report to work. Furloughs are expected to impact the services that agencies provide to the public. For more details, please visit the Office of Personnel Management’s website at the link here.
Do military personnel continue working?
The Department of Defense will continue defending our nation, and military personnel will continue their usual duty. Many military contractors and civilian employees could experience disruptions to their work and pay. For more information, please consult with the contracting agency. Specifically, our Coast Guard will not receive pay during the shutdown. It is unacceptable that the men and women who put their lives on the line for our nation are going unpaid because of House Republican chaos. My bill, the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act, would change that to ensure our Coasties receive a paycheck for the work they are doing to keep us safe.
Can veterans still get treatment at the VA or access other services?
All functions within the Veterans Health Administration will continue, and veterans will continue to receive compensation and pension claims.
Should I cancel my upcoming travel plans?
You can and should continue to enjoy your travel plans! TSA officers and air traffic controllers are considered essential and are reporting to work throughout the shutdown. However, both TSA and Air Traffic Control are currently working without pay, so please be patient with any delays.
I'm coming to DC, will my tours still take place?
Unfortunately, tour guides and visitor centers of DC's government buildings are considered non-essential and have been closed. This means that all tours of the U.S. Capitol, White House, and FBI Building have been canceled during the shutdown. The Supreme Court and Bureau of Engraving and Printing will be open for tours; however, these tours book up far in advance and may not be available for last-minute scheduling. If you have a tour scheduled through our office and want to check the status, please call us at 202-225-3831.
What about 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.
Will my passport renewal still be processed?
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. Additionally, our office will be unable to assist constituents with expediting passport and visa requests for the duration of the shutdown. Please continue to submit requests and we will do everything possible to assist.
Are National Parks closed?
National Parks will remain open, but please exercise caution during any visits as most services will be halted. Visitor centers will be closed, entrance fees won't be collected, educational programs will be canceled, and campsites won't be staffed. In many instances, restrooms will be closed, and services like trash collection and road maintenance will be suspended. There are also limited emergency/rescue services, and safety updates will not be published. Please keep this in mind when planning any visits or hikes in our National Parks.
I have an issue with a government agency. Can I still call them for help? Can you help me instead?
Due to the lapse in funding, many agencies have furloughed workers, so their help desks may have little or no staffing. You are encouraged to contact any agency to learn if they are still able to assist you at this time. You can also contact my office to open a case for you. We can contact an agency on your behalf and provide you with updates if they are open or when they reopen at the conclusion of a shutdown.
I already have a case open with your office. Should I do anything during the shutdown?
My office is continuing to submit inquiries to federal agencies, including requesting updates on constituents' behalf, submitting paperwork, and opening new cases. We will provide you with an update as soon as it is available.
I rely on food programs like SNAP and WIC. Will I keep getting my payments?
SNAP payments will continue as normal, but other nutrition programs, like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), will only continue at the state and local level.
Have more questions?
Please feel free to call us at (202) 225-1688, and we will do our best to assist you.
This webpage will continue to be updated as more information becomes available from the federal government.