Impact of a Government Shutdown
A MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN STENY HOYER
As of 12:01 on October 1, Trump and Republicans in Congress have begun a government shutdown. A shutdown is a failure of governance, but that has been this administration's aim from the beginning.
A government shutdown brings about uncertainty, frustration, and fear for many Americans and their families. I have heard from Marylanders in the Fifth District and beyond who are inquiring about which vital government agencies, programs, and services will remain open and operating.
My staff and I are working diligently to answer your questions and provide you with key resources to stay afloat and ease confusion. As the situation evolves, we will keep this page updated; due to the unpredictability of the Administration, this experience of this shutdown may diverge from previous. I encourage you to continue reaching out to my office with your comments, questions, and concerns during this time.
Sincerely yours,
Steny Hoyer
Federal Employee Resources
Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown?
When the government shuts down, federal agencies are required to classify their employees whose salaries have lapsed as either "excepted" or "not excepted." The employees classified as "excepted" work without pay during the shutdown. The employees classified as "not excepted" are put on unpaid furlough.
Where can federal employees get clarity on unemployment insurance and repay benefits?
Former, current, and furloughed federal employees can find additional information and resources on this webpage from the Maryland Department of Labor.
As a federal employee, what else should I know about the current administration’s policies and actions that may affect my employment?
Click here to learn more about how the Trump Administration’s actions against the civil service continue to impact federal employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?
Recipients will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will provide limited services like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications. However, SSA will stop services like benefit verifications and processing overpayments. Customer service wait times will dramatically increase.
Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?
Current Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits assuming a shutdown lasts less than three months.
What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?
All active-duty and Guard and Reservists on active-duty orders are excepted and therefore are required to work without pay. On-base non-acute health care will cease, although off-base care provided through Tricare will not be affected. On-base child care will be open on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement will also be required to work without pay for the duration of a shutdown.
Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended?
Military and federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed.
Will air travel be affected?
Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents will remain on the job without pay. If some do not report to work, as has happened in prior shutdowns, there will be significant delays and longer wait times across the country.
What does this mean for disaster relief efforts?
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff will still respond to emergencies, but all long-term projects will be delayed due to a lack of funding in the Disaster Relief Fund.
How will this affect environmental protection and cleanup?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will stop inspecting most hazardous waste sites, as well as drinking water and chemical facilities. Efforts to address dangerous contaminants like PFAS — which are linked to severe health effects, including cancer — will be delayed, and cleanup activities at Superfund sites will slow or cease.
What is the impact on food assistance?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will quickly run out of funding and be unable to provide food for children and parents in need. In the Case of a prolonged shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may also be affected.
What is the impact on food safety activities?
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety activities — such as routine inspections of facilities — will be delayed across the country.
What is the impact on housing?
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will stop insuring some new mortgages and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will stop processing some new loans. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) will stop new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans. Funding for federal housing assistance programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, may be jeopardized in a prolonged shutdown.
How will this affect small businesses?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) will stop processing new business loans, such as through the 7(a) and 504 programs. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue
regular operations.
Will my mail still arrive?
Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.
What does this mean for medical research?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be forced to delay new clinical trials. New patients who are waiting for a chance at new treatment through a clinical trial will be turned away.
Will I still be able to visit National Parks and monuments?
Across the country, services that require National Park Service staff — including trash removal and operating campgrounds and concessions — may be stopped. Closures will be determined on a location-by-location basis; open-air parks and monuments in Washington, D.C. will likely remain accessible. Smithsonian museums may also be impacted by a lengthy shutdown.
How does this affect passports and help for Americans overseas?
Consular services, passport services, and visa services are expected to continue in the immediate aftermath of a government shutdown. In a prolonged shutdown, passport and visa issuance could be slowed. Access to passport agencies located in some government buildings may be limited.
What is the impact on state and local services?
The federal government shutdown will not immediately affect any state or local services. However, with federal funding cut off, some state or local governments may have to change their operations. Check with state and local agencies for specific questions.
What happens to veterans' services?
All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits. However, veterans will be affected by the shutdown of
other services that they count on, including education and job training, support for veteran-owned businesses, and even assistance for homeless veterans.
VA Maryland Health Care System will remain fully operational in the event of a government shutdown. All patient care services and appointments will continue as normal.
•To schedule, confirm, or reschedule a clinic appointment, call the Appointment Center at 410-605-7333, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
•To speak with a nurse about a medical question, call the Telephone Care Line at 800-865-2441, 24 hours a day.
•To request a refill of a prescription, check on the status of a prescription, or to speak to a pharmacy staff member, call 410-605-7395.
•To apply for or determine your eligibility for VA health care, call 877-222-8387.
•For the Veterans Crisis Line, call 988 then press 1.
Veterans, family members and caregivers may also manage appointments, request prescription refills, and send messages to their patient aligned care team via secure messaging at My HealtheVet.
If you have an emergency and need immediate attention, please call 911 for assistance. Veterans experiencing a mental health emergency should call 988 and press 1 or visit their nearest emergency room.