Impacts of a Government Shutdown on Iowans
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 Democrats in the House and Senate rejected the proposal and shut down the government. Their demands to reopen the government include: $1.5 trillion in new spending, free health care for illegal aliens, and funding for NPR and PBS.
Despite the shutdown, my offices remain open in Iowa and Washington, DC, during the government shutdown. If you have questions, casework requests, or need assistance, don’t hesitate to call or contact us here. We will do everything we can to help.
Cedar Rapids: (319) 364-2288
Dubuque: (563) 557-7789
Waterloo: (319) 266-6925
Washington, DC: (202) 225-2911
Each federal agency has a different shutdown operation. Many essential services, like Social Security payments, will still be provided as Congress works toward a solution. For agency-specific details, visit a department’s .gov site (e.g., www.dhs.gov, www.va.gov, www.ssa.gov, www.cms.gov) and check their HR or shutdown resource pages.
What kinds of services will continue?
While the programs listed below will continue, the agencies responsible for administering them may see reduced workforces impacting operations. This is not a comprehensive list as we are continuing to gather information.
- Social Security payments, including SSI benefits
- Medicare and Medicaid benefits
- VA medical care and benefits (although some regional offices may be closed)
- SNAP benefits (although a prolonged shutdown could create disruptions)
- Disability payments
- Mail delivery
- Federal law enforcement and military operations
- Air travel
- Federal employee retirement payments
- Student aid such as Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans
- Visits to national Smithsonian Museums (until at least Monday, October 6)
- Visa and passport services (although longer wait times are possible)
For more information, please review the page of Frequently Asked Questions linked here.