Government Shutdown Information: How a Shutdown Could Impact You

December 21st Update: on December 20 the House passed legislation to fund the government, which was passed by the Senate early on December 21st. President Biden will sign the legislation later today, avoiding a shutdown.

Current funding for the federal government is set to expire on December 20, 2024.

As I stated on December 19, I urge my colleagues across the aisle to come back to the negotiating table and work with House Democrats on a bipartisan agreement to keep the government open. You can read my full statement here. 

A government shutdown will have serious ramifications, so I want to ensure you have the most current information on how it could impact you. Please note that each federal agency develops their own contingency plan and as a shutdown becomes longer the impacts deepen as emergency funds and other resources dwindle. 

What Happens During a Government Shutdown

My Offices

In accordance with guidance from the House of Representatives Committee on House Administration, during a potential shutdown our office operations will continue in Washington and Beachwood and our staff will continue working in order to uphold our Constitutional responsibilities to our constituents. The best way to get in touch with my office is to call 202-225-7032 (DC) or 216-522-4900 (Beachwood) – we will also continue to monitor voicemail.  

Our staff will be available to continue to provide assistance with federal casework, although processing times with federal agencies themselves could be delayed due to the shutdown. If you are working with one of our caseworkers, you can also contact them with questions. 

Social Security 

Social Security will continue to operate and process disbursements. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will provide limited services, like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications. SSA will stop services like benefit verifications and processing overpayments. Customer service wait times will dramatically increase. 

Mail Delivery and Passports 

Post Offices and Postal Workers will continue to operate and deliver mail. Passport and consular services will continue but may be affected by a prolonged government shutdown.  

Along with my colleagues, I hope that cooler heads will prevail, I apologize for any disruptions you and your family may experience if a government shutdown occurs. I promise I’ll do everything in my power to end this shutdown and restore the functioning of the U.S. Government for you and the American people.

Medicare and Medicaid 

Current Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits assuming a shutdown lasts less than three months. 

Federal Employeesand Servicemembers

“Non-excepted” federal employees will be furloughed without pay until the government is funded, including 58,000 federal workers in Ohio, according to the House Budget Committee minority staff. 

“Excepted” federal employees, such as members of law enforcement, active-duty military, TSA, and national security personnel, will continue to work without pay until the government is funded. The House Budget Committee minority staff estimates that over 55,000 active duty and reserve military personnel in Ohio would be forced to work without pay during a government shutdown. I have cosponsored legislation to provide military pay during a shutdown, but it has not been brought to the floor for a vote by the Speaker.

Government Contracts

During a government shutdown, the federal government will be unable to enter into new contracts, halting the federal procurement marketplace and impacting businesses that are looking to do business with the federal government. 

Head Start 

Head Start providers could be impacted by a government shutdown almost immediately, depending on when they last received federal support and other funds. If you have questions please contact your provider. 

Housing 

The Federal Housing Administration will stop insuring some new mortgages and the Department of Housing and Urban Development will stop processing some new loans. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) will stop new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans. Funding for federal housing assistance programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, may be jeopardized.

Likewise, a prolonged shutdown will impact the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, leading to increased energy costs as temperatures begin to drop. 

National Parks

Services that require National Park Service staff (including cleaning and trash removal and operating campgrounds and concessions) will be stopped. Closures will be determined on a location-by-location basis. Federal parks and monuments in Washington, D.C. will remain accessible. Smithsonian museums will also be impacted.

Nutrition Programs 

In the short term, SNAP and WIC benefits will continue to be accessible. In the event of a prolonged shutdown however, funding for these programs could run out as previously appropriated funds expire. 

Approximately 20,679 people, including 5,077 infants and 10,792 children in OH-11 could lose access to WIC benefits if a shutdown extends across multiple weeks. 

Along with my Ohio colleague Rep. Emilia Sykes, I have co-led legislation to ensure that SNAP benefits continue in the event of a longer shutdown. This legislation has not been brought to the floor by the Speaker however.  

Small Business Administration Programs

During a government shutdown, the Small Business Administration (SBA) ceases operating its core lending and investment programs. This means that 7(a) and 504 loans will halt, as well as the SBA’s Community Advantage and Microloan programs. SBA disaster loans are also on hold. 

Small Businesses 

For certain programs, such as the 7(a) and 504 programs, the Small Business Administration (SBA) will stop processing new business loans. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations.  

Travel and Disaster Relief 

Air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and Custom and Border Protection (CBP) agents will remain working without pay. However, travelers may experience significant delays at airports due to likely increases in TSA staff absences. 

Long-term disaster relief projects will be delayed or paused.  

Veterans Benefits and VA Facilities

Veterans Affairs Benefits, including pensions and disability checks, will continue to be processed and disbursed. Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain operational. However, other services veterans count on will be impacted, including education and job training, support for veteran-owned businesses, and even assistance for homeless veterans.