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?
All federal workers are guaranteed backpay, regardless of furlough status. The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, signed into law in 2019, guarantees that furloughed government employees receive backpay. Federal funding has been authorized to provide backpay to all federal workers. Backpay is not immediate. We are currently awaiting guidance about when pay can be expected.
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?
In the State of Connecticut, SNAP benefits for November have been distributed.
To check your balance, or if you have any problems accessing benefits, visit MyDSS.ct.gov or call 1-888-328-2666.
For information on food pantries, visit the Connecticut Department of Social Services website.
Will telehealth services resume?
Yes. Medicare coverage for telehealth services has been reinstated.
Can I visit Washington, D.C. for tours?
We are currently awaiting guidance about the reopening of the following buildings/sites:
The US Capitol
The FBI
The National Archives
The Washington Monument and other monument visitor centers
The following sites are open:
The Library of Congress
The United States Botanic Garden
The Pentagon
The Supreme Court
The National Mall and any open-air monuments
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Arlington National Cemetery
The Smithsonian Museum of American History, National Air and Space Museum, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center will reopen Friday, November 14th.
Other Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo will reopen on a rolling basis by Monday, November 17th.
Ford’s Theater and Petersen House are mostly reopened, with the theater space reopening Friday, November 14th.
The Capitol flag office is open and accepting requests here.