Friends, Regrettably, our federal government has shut down. The House voted to keep the government open with a clean, short-term funding extension that would ensure essential services continued uninterrupted until November 21, 2025. Unfortunately, the Senate did not pass this measure, and negotiations have stalled. This shutdown is already having negative consequences for people across Arkansas. The WIC Program, for example, which helps ensure mothers and their young children have access to nutritious food, could be at risk if the shutdown continues for more than a week. Funding for the program was included in the continuing resolution that passed the House in September. Essential employees, including soldiers, Border Patrol agents, and federal law enforcement officers, are working without knowing when their next paycheck will come. Meanwhile, critical government services are being delayed or suspended, from passport renewals to veterans' benefits. The bottom line is that government shutdowns are harmful to everyone. I cannot, in good conscience, accept my salary while federal employees are not receiving theirs. Before the shutdown, I submitted a letter requesting that my pay be withheld until a spending agreement has been reached and federal workers are back on the job.
Representative French Hill

Friends,


Regrettably, our federal government has shut down. The House voted to keep the government open with a clean, short-term funding extension that would ensure essential services continued uninterrupted until November 21, 2025. Unfortunately, the Senate did not pass this measure, and negotiations have stalled.


This shutdown is already having negative consequences for people across Arkansas.


The WIC Program, for example, which helps ensure mothers and their young children have access to nutritious food, could be at risk if the shutdown continues for more than a week. Funding for the program was included in the continuing resolution that passed the House in September.


Essential employees, including soldiers, Border Patrol agents, and federal law enforcement officers, are working without knowing when their next paycheck will come. Meanwhile, critical government services are being delayed or suspended, from passport renewals to veterans' benefits.


The bottom line is that government shutdowns are harmful to everyone.


I cannot, in good conscience, accept my salary while federal employees are not receiving theirs. Before the shutdown, I submitted a letter requesting that my pay be withheld until a spending agreement has been reached and federal workers are back on the job.
 
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I have added a page to our website that will provide updates and resources to help you and your family stay informed throughout the shutdown.


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how we got here
 

Each year, Congress is expected to pass 12 separate appropriations bills before the fiscal year ends on September 30. In recent years, however, Congress has often relied on short-term extensions called continuing resolutions (CRs) to keep the government funded.


Timeline of Events:


September 19: The House passed a short-term CR to fund the government through November 21, 2025. The bill moved to the Senate.


House Vote Count: Yeas 217; Nays 212

  • House Republicans: Yeas 216; Nays 2
  • House Democrats: Yeas 1; Nays 210


September 30: Senate Majority Leader Thune brought the CR to a vote, but it fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance.


Senate Vote Count: Yeas 55; Nays 45

  • Senate Republicans: Yeas 52; Nays 1
  • Senate Democrats: Yeas 2; Nays 47
  • Independents: Yeas 1; Nays 1


October 1, 12:01 AM: Without a funding agreement, the federal government shut down.
 
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What Does This Mean for You
 

During a government shutdown, some essential services continue while others may slow down or temporarily close. Below is a summary of what Arkansans can expect. Please note that while these programs will continue, reduced federal staffing may cause delays or longer wait times.



Status of Federal Government Programs and Services


Social Security & Disability Payments: Benefits will continue, but processing for new disability claims or benefit verifications may be delayed.

Medicare & Medicaid: Coverage and benefits will continue as normal.

Veterans Services:

  • All VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Veterans Centers will remain open.
  • The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS) and the VA Regional Office (RO) are continuing to operate and process inquiries.
  • The Veterans Crisis Line will remain available 24/7.

Notable Veterans Services That Are Impacted:

  • Processing military and retiree benefits may be delayed.
  • Transition program assistance and career counseling.
  • GI Bill and National Cemetery Applicant Assistance hotlines will be closed.
  • VA benefits regional offices will be closed.
  • Public affairs and outreach to veterans will cease, including social media, VetResources emails, and responses to press inquiries.
  • No ground maintenance or placement of permanent headstones at VA cemeteries.
  • Applications for pre-need burial at VA cemeteries will not be processed.
  • No printing of new Presidential Memorial Certificates.
  • No outreach to state, county, tribal, municipal, faith-based and community-based partners by VA Center Office.

Military & National Guard:

  • Active-duty service members and National Guard personnel will continue serving.
  • Some civilian Department of Defense employees may be furloughed.

U.S. Postal Service: Mail delivery will continue as usual.


Farm Service Agency: Farm loans and emergency loans will continue, though some processing delays are possible.


Small Business Administration:

  • SBA will not process new loans
  • SBA Disaster Loan Program will continue.

FEMA: Will continue to respond to emergencies.


TSA & Commercial Air Travel: Air travel operations will continue, though security lines may be longer due to reduced staffing. Give yourself extra time at the airport when you are traveling.


Passports & Visas: Services will remain available, but processing times may be longer than normal.


Student Aid: Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans will continue.


Nutritional Programs:

  • SNAP (Food Assistance): Benefits will continue, but a prolonged shutdown could create disruptions.
  • WIC funding could run out within 1-2 weeks in most states.

Smithsonian Museums: National museums in Washington, D.C., remain open at least through October 11, though future closures are possible.



I have also added a page to our website that will provide updates and resources to help you and your family stay informed throughout the shutdown. 

Sincerely,

French Hill Signature.

Representative French Hill

 
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