Government Shutdown FAQ
With the federal government officially shut down due to Democrats’ refusal
to negotiate responsibly, Representative Eric Burlison (MO-07) reminded constituents that his
offices will remain fully operational to provide assistance.
“House Republicans passed a clean, continuing resolution to keep the government open,” said
Rep. Burlison. “Democrats refused to negotiate in good faith and demanded $1.5 trillion in
spending that includes benefits for illegal aliens, subsidies for abortion, and rolling back the
taxpayer savings from rescissions we achieved this year. Their actions put partisan politics
above our farmers, our troops, and everyday Americans, and they’re deliberately trying to undo
the conservative wins we’ve fought for under President Trump.”
Despite the shutdown, many essential services continue, including border protection, law
enforcement, air traffic control, in-hospital medical care, Social Security, Medicare,
Medicaid, and veterans’ health programs.
“My offices in Washington, Springfield, and Joplin will remain open to help constituents with
any federal services or questions during this period,” Burlison said.
Constituents are encouraged to contact any of these offices directly for assistance during the
government shutdown.
What kinds of services will continue?
While the programs listed below will continue, the agencies responsible for administering them may see reduced workforces, impacting operations. This is not a comprehensive list, as we are continuing to gather information.
- 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)
- Disability payments
- Mail delivery
- 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)
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 .gov site (e.g., www.dhs.gov, www.va.gov) and check their HR or shutdown resource pages.