Answering Your Questions as Government Reopens

The longest government shutdown in our nation’s history is officially over. I strongly opposed the Senate ‘deal’ that did nothing to lower health care costs but includes millions in taxpayer-funded payouts to Senate Republicans. The Republicans’ refusal to extend health care tax credits means the average family in my district will see their premium costs rise by $2,571. On President Trump’s watch, 15 million Americans are about to lose their health care. Millions more about to be saddled with skyrocketing premiums, including 112,000 people in Connecticut. That’s unacceptable. 

Democrats put forward a plan almost two months ago to keep government open and lower health care costs for families, but Donald Trump told Republicans to ‘not even bother’ negotiating, sending the House on an unprecedented eight-week shutdown vacation. As the government resumes full operations, my office has prepared answers to these frequently asked questions. You can also contact us at 860-278-8888.  

Will federal workers receive backpay?  

Thanks to the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, signed into law in 2019, all federal workers, regardless of furlough status are guaranteed to receive backpay. At this time, most federal workers should have received their backpay. 

What’s the status of my case involving a federal agency/department? 

Federal agencies will be bringing furloughed employees back to work. There may be delays as they work through the backlog of Congressional inquiries. If you opened a case with our office during the shutdown, you will receive an update as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, please contact my office with any questions or concerns. 

What is the current status of food assistance programs?  

At this time, buildings and sites in Washington, D.C. are operating as normal. For more information on requesting tours through my office, please click here. Additionally, the Capitol flag office is open and accepting requests here.