As of October 1, 2025, 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 the proposal did not pass the Senate.
Despite the shutdown, my office is here to help residents of Michigan’s 10th District with issues they are facing with federal agencies. While many federal agencies may have slower response times and minimal staffing, we can still submit 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.
I am also committed to keeping you informed about how the shutdown may or may not affect you. Many essential services, like Social Security payments, will still be provided while the government is closed.
Federal agencies are responsible for their own shutdown plans, and impacts vary by agency. Visit the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website for the latest details. For agency-specific details, visit your departments .gov site (
www.va.gov ,
www.dhs.gov , etc.) and check their HR or shutdown resource pages.
Why did the government shutdown?
Congress must pass annual appropriations measures in order to fund federal government agencies by October 1. On September 19, I voted in favor of a measure that passed the House of Representatives extending current federal funding until November 21 while we finish our work for the full fiscal year. This was a clean, straightforward extension of existing funding that would have kept the government open.
Unfortunately, this proposal did not pass the Senate. Senate Democrats blocked this responsible plan, forcing a government shutdown. As a result, many federal agencies have lost the authority to operate, leaving families who rely on WIC, Head Start, and food assistance facing uncertainty. Small businesses depending on SBA loans are stalled, critical research programs, rural development funding, and our troops paychecks are now frozen.
I urge my Democrat colleagues to do the right thing for the American people and end the 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.
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.
Do Veterans receive benefits during a government shutdown?
Many crucial benefits and services provided by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continue for Veterans during a government shutdown. Essential functions include:
• Benefits processing like compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits
• Veteran healthcare, to include the Veterans Crisis Line
• Burials at VA national cemeteries
• The Board of Veterans' Appeals will continue to process appeals during a shutdown to ensure Veterans' requests and concerns are addressed in a timely manner.
• Call Centers:
o VA’s primary call center (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) will remain open 24/7.
o The VA Benefit Hotline (1-800-827-1000) will be available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.
o The National Cemetery Scheduling Office (1-800-535-1117) (TTY:711)) will be available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET, to schedule burials.
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.
How are active-duty troops affected?
• 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.
What about food assistance programs like SNAP, WIC, and Head Start?
•
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.
Resources for Federal Employees?
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.
Additional questions?
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.
