Government Shutdown Resources

As of 12:01 a.m. on October 1, funding for many federal government operations has lapsed. I supported a package passed by the House that would extend current funding until November 21, 2025, but the proposal did not pass the Senate.

Despite the shutdown, my office is here to help residents of central Arkansas with issues they are facing with federal agencies. While many federal agencies may have slower response times and minimal staffing, we can still submit requests and advocate on your behalf. You can submit casework requests on our website here.

I am also committed to keeping you informed about how the shutdown may or may not affect you. Many essential services, like Social Security payments, will still be provided as Congress works toward a solution. Federal agencies closing operations are still working on their shutdown plans. 

Impacts vary by agency. Visit the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website for the latest details.

How did we get here?

The U.S. Congress must pass annual appropriations measures in order to fund federal government agencies by October 1. On September 19, I supported a measure that passed the House of Representatives extending current federal funding until November 21 while we finish our work for the full fiscal year. This was a clean, straightforward extension of existing funding without extraneous policy.

Unfortunately this proposal did not pass the Senate, as Senate Democrats blocked the measure and shutdown and shut down the government. This means that many federal agencies do not currently have the authority to operate. Other programs deemed essential are allowed by law to continue.

What kinds of services will continue?


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.

Resources for Federal Employees

As agencies shut down, federal employees will either be furloughed, or in some cases required to work without pay. Under federal law, employees are entitled to back pay upon the government reopening.
For agency-specific details, visit your department’s .gov site (e.g., www.dhs.gov, www.va.gov) and check their HR or shutdown resource pages.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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