Government Shutdown Resources

As of October 1, 2025, funding for many federal government operations has lapsed, causing a government shutdown. On September 19^th, House Republicans and I passed a bill to keep the government open. This was a clean, nonpartisan, good faith spending bill that Democrats had supported in the past. This was a short-term extension of our bipartisan agreement earlier in the year.

Unfortunately, Senate Democrats refused to support this nonpartisan spending bill, leading to a government shutdown. Despite unanimous support for the bill from Republican Senators, Senate rules require 60 votes to pass a spending bill, allowing Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats to force a government shutdown.

A government shutdown harms our most vulnerable, including families who rely on WIC, Head Start, and food assistance. Additionally, our troops, federal law enforcement officers, air traffic controllers, federal workers, and more do not receive paychecks and face furlough. 

I urge my Democrat colleagues to do the right thing for the American people and end their government shutdown. 

In the meantime, while I will not be taking a Congressional paycheck during the shutdown, my offices will remain open to serve our amazing constituents in Michigan's 10th Congressional District. While many federal agencies may have slower response times and minimal staffing, my office can still submit inquiry requests and advocate on your behalf. If you are experiencing any issues with a federal agency, you can submit casework requests to our office here. 

Financial Resources:

• The United States Senate Federal Credit Union is offering zero interest loans for 90-days of up to $5,000 during the shutdown. This credit union is not just for Senate employees. Federal employees are eligible for interest free loans during the shutdown. Call 800-374-2758 for assistance.
• The Congressional Federal Credit Union is offering zero interest Furlough Relief loans of up to $10,000 during the shutdown. You do not have to be a Congressional employee to join this credit union. Call 800-491-2328 for assistance.
• The Commerce Department Credit Union is offering 30-day zero interest loans for federal workers during the shutdown for up to $10,000. You do not have to be a Commerce Department employee to become a member. Call 888-626-9845 for assistance.
• The Navy Federal Credit Union is offering zero interest loans of up to $6,000 to its members and other federal government employees during the shutdown. Call 888-842-6328 for assistance.
• Army Emergency Relief provides interest-free loans equal to the amount of one paycheck, up to a maximum amount of $6,000, for soldiers and families who experience financial hardship due to a lack of pay. Call 866-878-63788 for assistance.
• The U.S. Employees Credit Union is offering interest-free shutdown loans to eligible members. Call 312-922-5310 for assistance.
• USAA’s Government Shutdown Program is offering no-interest loans and other payment relief options from $500 to $6,000. Call 210-531-8722 for assistance.
• PenFed is offering zero-interest loans equal to the amount of missed paychecks for furloughed federal workers who are existing members and have their pay directly deposited to their PenFed account. Call 1-800-247-5626 for assistance.
• For a list of additional credit union programs click here.
• For a list of assistance programs from banks click here.

What 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

● SNAP benefits 

● 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

● Visa and passport services 

Many Federal employees will be furloughed or required to work without pay through this shutdown. Accordingly, I have requested the Office of the Chief Administrator withhold my pay during this shutdown. If our troops aren’t getting paid and our constituents aren’t getting the services they need, then politicians shouldn’t be receiving a paycheck. 

 

 

Many crucial benefits and services provided by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continue for Veterans during a government shutdown. Essential functions include:

Please note that a government shutdown will lead to some restrictions and disruptions and could affect the following areas for Veterans:

 

• The VA cannot conduct public affairs outreach activities during a government shutdown; this means that some Veterans may not receive the usual level of communication and support from the VA they might be used to.

• VA regional offices are often closed during a government shutdown which may affect in-person services.

• Operations like career counseling and transition assistance and cemetery grounds maintenance may be unavailable as they are often considered non-essential.

 

Additional information and resources for veterans can be found here.

 

 

• Active-Duty service members will not be paid until Congress reaches an agreement on government spending or if Congress passes legislation explicitly authorizing military pay.

• Services on military installations, such as childcare centers and commissaries, could face operational adjustments or closures depending on the length of the shutdown and the specific funding sources.

• In past government shutdowns, schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) were deemed essential and to remain open during the regular school year. However, sporting events and extracurricular activities, including sports practices might be paused unless the activity is fully funded by other means.

• If your child goes to day care at on on-base Child Development Center (CDC), it is recommended to call and check for closures. Some centers might remain open, while others will likely close on a case-by-case basis.

 

Additional information and resources for service-members can be found here. 

 

 

• SNAP: Benefits continue for at least 1-month post-shutdown (e.g., until resources run out); prolonged shutdowns risk disruptions for recipients. 

• WIC: Benefits may be delayed or suspended. State/local operations continue only until resources deplete; prolonged shutdowns risk serious disruptions for millions of recipients. 

• Head Start: Grants cannot be awarded; impacts worsen over time for childcare support. You should contact your child’s Head Start program for further guidance.  

 

How are student and farm loans, small businesses, and housing affected?  

 

• Student Loans: Payments remain required; processing for FAFSA, Pell Grants, and loan forgiveness delays due to Department of Education staff furloughs.

• Farm Loans: The Farm Service Agency will continue to service farm loans during this time, and it will also provide emergency loans, although service may be slower than usual. 

• Small Businesses: The Small Business Administration halts new loans. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations. 

• Housing: The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will have limited staff during a shutdown, and the processing or closing of FHA-insured loans may be delayed. All FHA underwriting and processing requirements would remain in force during the government shutdown, and no loan may be endorsed that does not fulfill those requirements.  

 

 

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.

 

• OPM Operating Status

• OPM Shutdown Furlough Guidance

• Thrift Savings Plan - Lapse in Appropriations  

 

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 586-498-7122 or through my website. During this uncertain time, know that I am working each and every day to re-open the government so you can get the resources and help you deserve.