Government Shutdown Resources
As of October 1, 2025, funding for many federal government operations has lapsed.
Despite the shutdown, my offices are open and ready to assist constituents of Texas’s 8th Congressional District with federal agencies. While many federal agencies may have slower response times and minimal staffing, my team can still submit requests and advocate on your behalf. Our casework request portal can be found here.
For the latest information regarding federal agency operational statuses, please visit the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website.
What services will continue during a federal government shutdown?
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)
- Partial National Park access (more info here)
Resources for Federal Employees
As federal agencies shut down, federal employees will either be furloughed, or in some cases be required to work without pay. Under federal law, employees are entitled to back pay upon the government reopening.
For agency-specific details, please visit your department’s .gov site (e.g., www.dhs.gov, www.va.gov) and check their HR or shutdown resource pages.