Government Shutdown Resources

At 12:01 a.m. on October 1, funding for many federal government operations lapsed, and the government shut down. I supported a clean, short-term funding package that the House of Representatives has already passed, that would have extended current funding until November 21, 2025. This needs 60 votes to pass the Senate, and Senate Democrats have repeatedly voted against government funding.

Federal agencies' operations are still working on their shutdown plans, but many essential services will still be provided as Congress works toward a solution. Impacts will vary by agency. Visit the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website for the latest details.

As your Congressman, I'm committed to helping you during this shutdown. Below are answers to common questions and other essential details. During a shutdown, my Washington, D.C., and district offices will remain open. For assistance, contact my district offices or my D.C. office to talk to my team or leave a detailed message.

Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-3415

Jacksonville Office: (910) 937-6929

New Bern Office: (252) 636-6612

Carteret Office: (252) 499-0540

Greenville Office: (252) 931-1003

Manteo Office: (252) 230-3549

What is a government shutdown?

A shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass appropriations bills or a continuing resolution (CR) to fund federal agencies and programs by the fiscal year deadline on September 30, which leads to a lapse in authorized funding.
Non-essential employees are furloughed (unpaid leave), while essential employees continue working without pay. Typically, furloughed federal employees receive backpay following a shutdown.
Impacts vary by agency, with plans available via the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website for the latest details.

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.
Check agency contingency plans on Miscellaneous -- OMB -- The White House for updates.
Communicate with your agency if you are a federal employee.

What services will continue?

Social Security payments, including SSI benefits
Medicare and Medicaid benefits
SNAP benefits (although a prolonged shutdown could create disruptions)
Disability payments
Mail delivery
Federal law enforcement
Military operations
Air travel
Federal employee retirement payments
Student aid (Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans)
Visits to national Smithsonian Museums (until Monday, October 6)
Visa and passport services (expect longer wait times)

Who do I contact if I have an issue with a federal agency?

During a federal government shutdown, many federal departments and agencies furlough workers, so their help desks may have few staffers.
You can contact one of my offices to open a case for you, and we can contact an agency on your behalf and provide you with updates when they reopen at the conclusion of a shutdown.

How are Veterans impacted during a government shutdown?

The following VA resources are not impacted by the shutdown:

Veteran health care is not impacted. VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open.
VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits.
Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries. Applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits processing will continue.
The Board of Veterans' Appeals will continue to make decisions on Veterans' cases.
VA Contact Centers (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) are open 24/7.

The following VA operations will be impacted during the shutdown:

VA will not provide Veteran career counseling or transition assistance program activities.
The GI Bill Hotline will be closed.
VA benefits regional offices will be closed.
VA will cease public affairs and outreach to Veterans.
VA will not permanently place headstones or maintain the grounds at VA national cemeteries.
VA will not process applications for pre-need burials.
VA will not print new presidential memorial certificates.

How are Active-duty service members affected?

Active-duty service members will not be paid until Congress reaches an agreement on government spending or if Congress passes legislation explicitly authorizing military pay.
Services on military installations, like childcare centers and commissaries, could face operational adjustments or closures depending on the length of the shutdown.
If your child goes to day care at an on-base Child Development Center (CDC), it is recommended to call and check for closures.

How will disaster relief, environmental protection, and public health be affected?

FEMA responds to emergencies, but long-term projects and Disaster Relief Fund activities will be delayed due to a lack of funding. NOAA and the NWS will remain operating.
Emergency and disaster assistance will continue with delays. Issuance of new grants and interagency agreements will cease unless necessary for excepted or exempted activities.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will continue clinical care for current patients at the NIH Clinical Center, but no new patients will be admitted.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will continue operating its 24/7 emergency operations center, outbreak detection, laboratory testing, and critical health monitoring.
All Food and Drug Administration (FDA) activities related to imminent threats to the safety of human life or protection of property will continue.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will continue operations related to farm loan processing items, specific natural resource and conservation programs, core nutrition safety net programs, essential food safety operations to protect public health, responding to and preparing for wildland fires, activities supported by user fees, and animal and plant health emergency programs.

How are small businesses and housing affected?

The Small Business Administration halts new loans. SBA's Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will have limited staff during a shutdown, and the processing or closing of FHA-insured loans may be delayed.

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. The 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 Smithsonian Museums will continue to stay open until Monday, October 6th. More updates may be found here: Smithsonian Institution | Home.

I would like to purchase a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol. Can I still request one?

The U.S. Capitol Flag Office will be closed during the shutdown and cannot process any requests.

Will state and local services be affected?

With no new federal funding, some state or local governments may have to change their operations. Please check with state and local agencies for specific questions.