Partial Government Shutdown
Funding for portions of the federal government have lapsed as of January 31st. After the Senate rejected a Republican bill funding the Department of Homeland Security that failed to rein in ICE’s out-of-control tactics, instead passing a new funding measure that must now return to the House, government funding for many federal agencies. This includes funding for our military, the Department of Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, and other critical agencies.
As we have seen in the past, a government shutdown has serious impacts across the nation, hurting working families and damaging our economy. Rep. Larson is working with his colleagues to responsibly re-open government and rein in ICE.
To help you navigate this period of uncertainty, our office has prepared answers to these frequently asked questions. You can also contact us at 860-278-8888.
Not all of the government funding is shut down. Programs that have already been funded include:
Social Security Benefits
Medicare coverage
HUSKY health
Food assistance, including SNAP and WIC
Farm Assistance
Postal Operations
National Parks and other public lands
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Many of these impacts will be avoided if funding bills are passed early in the week of February 2nd.
How will your operations be impacted? Can I still contact you for assistance with a federal agency?
My office remains open. We continue to work on and open new cases involving federal agencies and respond to your questions and comments.
Many federal offices have furloughed staff dedicated to responding to Congressional offices; as a result, progress may be slowed or paused during the shutdown.
We are continuing to correspond with agencies and will provide any updates as soon as they are available.
Will I continue to receive my Social Security Benefits?
Beneficiaries will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI benefit payments.
Most services at the Social Security Administration (SSA) will continue, including processing applications for new benefits and issuing Social Security cards.
Some services, including benefit verifications, have been halted.
Will passports and visas still be issued?
Consular services, passport services, and visa services are continuing during the government shutdown.
Passport acceptance offices located in buildings operated by an agency that is shut down are not open, but most sites are unaffected.
If the shutdown is prolonged, passport and visa issuance could be delayed.
How will the federal workforce be impacted?
In the event of a shutdown lasting longer than a few days, many federal workers at impacted agencies will be furloughed. Additionally, federal workers at those agencies, regardless of furlough status, will go without pay for the deration of the shutdown.
The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, signed into law in 2019, guarantees that furloughed government employees receive backpay once a shutdown ends. However, impacted federal contractors are not guaranteed backpay.
Military and federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed.
What is the impact on tax filing season?
IRS operations will continue without interruption at least until February 7th.
How will travel be impacted?
Air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers will continue working to make sure flights operate safely. Travelers should monitor airports for potential delays.
Will housing vouchers and home loans remain available?
Existing housing vouchers will continue to be issued, however, new vouchers will not be issued.
Federal mortgage programs, including at the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have stop processing new loan applications. Authorization for the National Flood Insurance Program has expired, preventing new policies, renewals, and modifications.
What will happen to student loans?
Student loan borrowers will still be required to make payments.
The Department of Education will continue to disburse Pell Grants and Federal Direct student loans.
Will Small Business Administration loans be processed?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has stopped processing new business loans and has ceased providing program support to private-sector partner organizations and specialized small businesses services.
Can I visit Washington, D.C. for tours?
The White House, U.S. Capitol, Smithsonian, and National Park sites are all open.
For more information on specific sites, please contact our office or visit their websites.