Government Shutdown Resources

Federal Funding Lapse
As of 12:01 a.m. on October 1, funding for many federal government operations has lapsed.

On September 19th, I voted in favor of a Continuing Resolution (CR) passed by the House that would extend current funding until November 21, 2025. This CR made no substantive policy changes, continued to fund the federal government at existing levels, and would have prevented a lapse in funding. That proposal has not yet passed the Senate, meaning the federal government has entered a shutdown.

Despite the shutdown, my office is here to help residents of Wisconsin's 1st District with issues they are facing. My offices will remain open and staffed throughout the shutdown. While many federal agencies may have slower response times and lower staffing levels, we can still submit requests and advocate on your behalf. If you are having difficulties with a federal agency, click here to contact my office.

I am committed to keeping you informed about how the shutdown may affect you. Many essential services and programs, like Social Security payments, will still be provided as Congress works toward a solution.

Many federal agencies are still finalizing their staffing and operations plans, meaning the final impacts will vary by agency as be finalized in the coming days. You can visit the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website for the latest details on individual agency impacts.

Here is some additional information about the government shutdown and what services may or may not be affected.

What is a government shutdown?
A government shutdown is when annual appropriations expire without renewal by Congress. This means that most federal agencies (with a few exceptions) are not authorized to expend funds or issue checks to federal employees. Congress is required to authorize all federal spending, typically on an annual basis. Authorized appropriations expired on October 1, meaning that until new funding is authorized by Congress, no additional expenditures can occur.

Agencies are required to develop agency contingency plans, for a lapse in appropriations to ensure an orderly continuation of critical operations. This action ensures that federal agencies and employees whose work is classified as essential; typically in areas like energy, defense, and agriculture, will continue to work and be issued back pay later.

What kind of services will continue?
While the programs listed below will continue, the agencies responsible for administering them may see reduced workforces impacting operations.

Social Security payments, including SSI benefits
Medicare and Medicaid benefits
VA medical care and benefits (although some regional offices may be closed)
SNAP benefits (although a prolonged shutdown could create disruptions)
FEMA will remain available to respond to emergencies and disasters, including issuing payments to disaster survivors
Disability payments
Mail delivery and USPS operations
Federal law enforcement and military operations
Air travel
Federal employee retirement payments
Student aid such as Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans
Visits to national Smithsonian Museums (until at least Monday, October 6)
Visa and passport services (although longer wait times are possible)

How are Active-Duty service members affected?
Active-duty service members will continue to serve but will not receive pay until a continuing resolution is passed. Service members will receive backpay for their period of duty during a shutdown. Certain facilities on military instillations, such as childcare centers and commissaries, may be impacted. Service members should contact individual facilities for additional information.

Resources for Federal Employees
As agencies shut down, federal employees will either be furloughed, or in some cases required to work without pay. Under federal law, employees are entitled to back pay upon the government reopening.

For agency-specific details, visit your department's website and check their HR or shutdown resources page.

Other Questions
If you have any other questions on the impact of this shutdown, agency operations, or any other federal issue please contact my office.

My office will continue to update this page as agencies finalize their shutdown plans and additional information becomes available.