Representative Chrissy Houlahan

Dear [firstname],

I am consistently ranked as one of the most bipartisan members of the U.S. House, and I know that lasting legislation requires compromise and support from both sides of the aisle. So, I don’t say this lightly: Republicans control the White House, the House, and the Senate, and the federal government shut down at 12:01am on October 1st because of their mismanagement and their refusal to work with Democrats in a bipartisan manner to pass a responsible budget that protects healthcare for millions of us.

And the federal government is shut down because of my Republican colleagues' willful abdication of Congress' legislative responsibilities and authorities to the Executive branch. In fact, since January, the Republican party has effectively been shutting down the government, with massive cuts to both funding and staff at the Centers for Disease Control, the State Department, the Department of Education, the Veterans Affairs Administration, and more.

I will continue doing my part to make sure we meet our most basic responsibility: keeping the government funded so public services are able to function. Keep in mind that a shutdown means that many federal employees who still had jobs and worked in agencies such as the Social Security Administration, VA, passport offices and Medicare and Medicaid services will be furloughed and not working.

In the meantime, my offices in D.C., West Chester, and Reading will be open to help you. You can call us with questions or concerns at the phone numbers below. Because of the shutdown, we are forced to furlough our interns so if you cannot reach us directly, please leave a message and we will return your call!

Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-4315
West Chester: (610) 883-5050
Reading: (610) 295-0815

What Happens During a Government Shutdown?

Please note: The information below is based on previous government shutdowns. Unfortunately, this Administration has fired or reassigned large numbers of federal workers and has not been transparent with the public about the impacts of a shutdown this time. The only thing we know for sure at the moment is that the Administration is planning to use the shutdown as an opportunity to fire more people. These things combined make it difficult to predict exactly how this shutdown will unfold or affect communities across the country. We will keep this page on our website updated as new details emerge.

Will I continue to receive Social Security?

Social Security checks are expected to continue. However, new applications, benefit verifications and appeals may be delayed significantly because of reduced staffing. Click here to go to the Social Security website.

What about Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare and Medicaid benefits should continue. But reaching staff at these agencies may be harder, as many workers are furloughed or their offices understaffed. Click here for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website.

Will SNAP or WIC be affected?

SNAP benefits should continue. WIC and other nutrition programs may only operate at the state and local levels. Availability may vary by location. Click here for the USDA Food and Nutrition website.

What about military personnel and veterans?

Our service members will continue serving, but they may not receive pay until the shutdown ends. VA health care and benefits have generally continued during past shutdowns, but given recent cuts and turmoil in the agencies, there is uncertainty this time. Click here for the Veterans Affairs website.

Is the Postal Service still running?

Yes. the US Postal Services operations are expected to continue, and mail will still be delivered. Click here for the USPS website.

What about travel?

TSA officers and air traffic controllers are deemed essential workers, but they will be working without pay, which may lead to call-outs, longer lines and potential delays. Click here for the Transporation Safety Administration.

Can I still tour Washington, D.C.?

No. Tours of the U.S. Capitol and other federal buildings will be suspended, as visitor services are considered non-essential. Tours of the White House have already been suspended to accommodate the construction of a ballroom.

What about passports and visas?

These are primarily fee-funded services and should continue, but processing could slow if staffing shortages persist. Click here for the State Department website.

What about student loans and grants?

Pell Grants and federal student loans are expected to continue for a limited time, but delays in servicing and disbursement are possible. If the shutdown is prolonged, schools may feel funding shortages. Click here for the Department of Education website.

What about immigration services?

Visa and passport operations are generally fee-funded and should continue. Immigration courts may operate on a limited basis, with detainee cases prioritized. However, given the Administration’s inconsistent handling of immigration policy, outcomes may vary.

Are National Parks open?

Parks may remain open, but visitor centers, bathrooms, campsites, and trash collection may be closed. Staffing and safety services have already been curtailed because of previous funding cuts earlier this year, so expect more of the same. Exercise caution if visiting. Click here for the National Park Service website.

What if I need help with a federal agency?

Many federal help desks will be unresponsive during the shutdown. My office can assist with cases already opened, but again, we will have to wait for responses from federal agencies. We will track your request and follow up as soon as agencies resume operations.

What happens to federal employees?

Many federal employees will be furloughed without pay, while others deemed “essential” will work without pay until funding is restored. We simply do not know how the Trump Administration will manage this shutdown. My staff and I will continue working without pay throughout the shutdown and are available to assist you when and where we can.

Resources

Based on past shutdowns, we can expect that some federal agencies will post notices on their websites explaining how the shutdown affects their services. However, because many staff are furloughed, these websites may not be updated regularly, and the information may quickly become outdated. I shared a lot of websites above that may be useful and will keep my own website updated to the extent possible.

Here are a few more sites you might want to visit for updates:

Come To My Town Hall to Talk More

I understand how stressful and uncertain this is for you and your family. Please know that my team and I are here to support you however we can. We will keep updating you as we learn more.

I'm hosting a Town Hall--my 102nd--at the CCIU in Downington on Thursday night, October 2 at 6pm. The focus of the evening is the Republican budget bill passed in July, and we have some special guests joining us to help us dig into the impacts on healthcare, education and economy.

There will be time for Q&A too so we can talk about the shutdown or other concerns and issues you have. You can livestream too if you can't make it by clicking here.

Serving as our community’s representative in Congress is the honor and privilege of my lifetime and I hope you will reach out about the issues you care about.

As always, please contact my office if you need assistance.

Sincerely,

Chrissy Houlahan

U.S. Member of Congress

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