Government Shutdown Resources

Govshutdown

As of 12:01 a.m. on October 1, funding for many federal government operations has lapsed. I supported a bipartisan continuing resolution in the House to keep the government open and working for the American people. However, as a result of partisan games, the proposal did not pass the Senate. 

This doesn’t mean that we will stop working for the people of the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos. My offices remain open and ready to assist you.  However, please be mindful that some of our services may be impacted by the shutdown, especially if you need help navigating a government department that is affected. 

To make it easier for you to connect with us, ALL four offices across the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, in addition to my Washington, D.C office, remain open 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM:

  • District Headquarters: 1125 S Cedar Crest Blvd, Suite 109, Allentown — (484) 781-6000
  • Downtown Allentown: 840 W Hamilton St., Suite 201, Allentown — (484) 781-6932
    • By appointment only
  • Carbon County: 1163 Interchange Rd, Suite C, Lehighton — (570) 807-0333
  • Northampton County: 2151 Emrick Blvd., Suite 204, Bethlehem — (610) 333-1170
     

What is a Government Shutdown? 

A shutdown occurs when Congress does not pass appropriations bills or a continuing resolution (CR) by the fiscal year deadline (September 30). Agencies must then implement contingency plans:

  • Non-essential employees are furloughed and are guaranteed back pay once funding resumes.
  • Essential employees continue working without pay until funding is restored.
  • Programs deemed essential by law (such as Social Security) continue.

How can I get help during a shutdown?  

  • Contact my office to assist with federal agency issues. We will continue submitting inquiries and paperwork despite furloughs. 
    • During a federal government shutdown, many federal departments and agencies furlough workers, so their help desks may have little or no staffing. 
    • During a shutdown, my office will continue to submit inquiries to federal agencies, including requesting updates on constituents’ behalf, submitting paperwork, and opening new cases.  
  • For mental health support call 988 Suicide Lifeline for 24/7 confidential counseling. 
  • Check agency contingency plans here for updates.

I have a trip to Washington, D.C. planned soon. What should I expect?  

  • During a government shutdown, the Capitol Visitor Center will be closed and there will be no public tours of the U.S. Capitol building.
  • All Library of Congress buildings, the U.S. Botanic Garden, the White House, the National Archives, the U.S. Treasury, and the FBI Building will also be closed to the public. 
  • The U.S. Capitol Flag Office will also be closed during the shutdown. Flag requests cannot be processed .

Services That Continue During a Shutdown:

  • Social Security & SSI Benefits: payments continue without interruption, but some services (like benefit verifications) may be delayed.
  • Medicare & Medicaid: Benefits continue, though contacting agencies may be slower.
  • Veterans’ Care: VA hospitals, clinics, and the Veterans Crisis Line remain open. Benefits such as compensation, pension, education, and housing continue. Some regional offices may be closed.
  • SNAP Benefits: Continue for the short term. Prolonged shutdowns could cause disruptions.
  • Mail Delivery: USPS is not affected.
  • Federal Law Enforcement & Military: Continue operations, though paychecks may be delayed unless separate legislation passes.
  • Air Travel: TSA and air traffic controllers continue working, but travelers may see longer wait times.
  • Federal Employee Retirement Payments: Continue as scheduled.
  • Student Aid: Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans continue, but processing may be delayed.

Services That May Be Disrupted:

  • National Parks, Museums, and Zoos: Many close or limit operations. The Smithsonian may close depending on available funds.
  • Passports & Visas: Processing continues, but wait times may increase. Access to agencies located in federal buildings could be limited.
  • IRS Services: Taxpayer assistance, audits, and refunds may be delayed.
  • Farm Service Agency: Some services continue, but loan processing and other assistance may slow down.
  • Disaster Relief: FEMA emergency responses continue, but long-term recovery projects may be delayed.
  • Medical Research: NIH clinical trials may be paused; new patients may not be admitted.
  • Small Business Loans: SBA halts most new loans, though the Disaster Loan Program remains open.
  • Housing Assistance: FHA loan processing may be delayed; some rental assistance programs could be disrupted.
  • WIC & Head Start: Funding may lapse quickly; impacts vary by state and locality.

Will I continue to receive Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits?

  • Social Security & SSI: Payments continue without interruption. Some services, like benefit verifications or handling overpayments, may be delayed.
  • Medicare & Medicaid: Coverage and payments continue, though contacting agencies may take longer with fewer staff available.

Do Veterans still receive benefits?

  • Yes. VA healthcare, crisis lines, and benefits like housing and education continue, though some regional offices and outreach programs may close.

How are service members affected?

  • Active-duty service members continue working, but pay may be delayed without separate legislation. On-base services like commissaries or child care may reduce hours. I have supported efforts such as  H.R. 5401, the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026, which would ensure our servicemembers and essential civilian staff get their paychecks. 

What about food assistance programs?

  • SNAP continues in the short term, but prolonged shutdowns could cause disruptions. WIC and Head Start may face delays or closures depending on funding.

What about disaster relief, health, and research?

  • FEMA emergency response and CDC outbreak monitoring continue, but long-term projects and most federal research, including NIH clinical trials, are paused.

How are students, small businesses, and housing affected?

  • Federal student aid and loans continue but may be delayed. SBA halts most new loans, and FHA housing services may be slowed.

Will travel, immigration, and taxes be impacted?

  • Airports remain open with TSA and air traffic controllers working, though delays are possible. Passports and visas are processed, but backlogs may grow. IRS services like refunds and phone support may be delayed.

What about federal retirees and contractors?

  • Retirees continue receiving annuity payments, though TSP contributions pause. Contractors may see new contracts delayed and should check with agency officers.

Do furloughed employees get back pay?

  • Yes. All furloughed and unpaid essential employees are guaranteed back pay once funding resumes.

Resources for Federal Employees:

For agency-specific details, visit the department’s .gov site (e.g., www.dhs.gov, www.va.gov) and check their HR or shutdown resource pages.