Government Shutdown Information

Just after midnight on October 1, funding for the federal government expired after Democrats in Congress voted to shut down the government. On September 19, I voted to pass a clean, non-partisan, short-term funding bill to keep the government fully functioning into November while Congress continues working on the annual appropriations bills.

There is nothing in this funding bill that Democrats oppose. They are holding critical government operations hostage in attempt to force a rollback of reforms House Republicans passed – reforms like closing loopholes that allow illegal immigrants to receive taxpayer-funded healthcare. 

What This Means for You

Senate Democrats are blocking government funding meaning:

  • Service members, Coast Guard, border patrol agents, and air traffic controllers will continue their duties, but will go unpaid until funding is restored.

  • Small businesses that depend on federal contracts or permits will face delays. 

  • Seniors and families may experience delayed services at agencies they rely on.

  • National Parks could close. 

My Office

While my Republican colleagues and I voted to keep the government open, Congressional Democrats chose brinkmanship instead.

My team and I are here working, answering your calls, emails, and casework requests. This year, my office has gotten over $3.36 million returned to constituents in payments owned to them by the VA, Social Security Administration, IRS and other federal agencies.

Unfortunately, the shutdown will impact many federal agency functions, but my office will continue doing what we can on your behalf! If you need assistance with a federal agency, please call my office at (352) 241-9220 or contact my office here. 

If you and your family have worked with my office to secure a tour of the U.S. Capitol, Bureau of Engraving, or FBI those tours will unfortunately be suspended, and my office will be unable to process any flag requests during a government shutdown.

Federal Services

Most key services will continue operating. The below is not a complete list and will be updated as new information is received. 

  • Social Security: Payments will continue, but processing delays are likely for disability claims and benefit verifications.

  • Medicare & Medicaid: Operations will continue normally.

  • Veterans Affairs: All VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open. VA benefits, including compensation, pension education, and housing benefits will continue to be processed. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will also continue to operate normally. The VA Contact Center will remain open and can be reached at 1-800-MyVA411. The Veterans Crisis Center is also available 24/7 to help veterans who call 988.

  • U.S. Postal Service: Mail delivery will continue without interruption.

  • Federal Employee Retirement: retirement payments will continue

  • Farm Service Agency: Emergency and farm loans will still be processed, but more slowly.

  • Air Travel: TSA remains on duty, but travelers may face longer waits.

  • Passports: Processing already takes 4–6 weeks and delays may increase. Consular services abroad remain open.

  • Federal law enforcement, military service and U.S. Coast Guard operations will continue

  • National Weather Service: operations, including hurricane forecasting and tracking will continue along with FEMA disaster operations.

My priority remains to serve you and ensure my office is available to help. If you need assistance, please contact me. We are here to serve you.