WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: 2023 POTENTIAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
You may have heard: If House Republicans fail to enact legislation to keep the US government funded by midnight on October 1, 2023, a federal shutdown will be triggered, with mass interruptions to essential services and programs that many of our hardworking families rely on in Colorado’s 6th.
While there’s still a chance of funding the government in a few days, we want to make sure you have all the facts on how a shutdown might impact your daily life.
How did we get here?
Every year, the House and Senate must pass identical versions of legislation to fund government operations for the following year. Once agreed upon, the bill heads to the President’s desk and the government continues functioning as it should for the American people.
This time around, House Republicans have failed to put forward reasonable legislation to keep our government up and running – charging ahead with a shutdown that hurts our economy and forces federal workers to be furloughed until the shutdown ends.
Coloradans deserve better. As your Congressman, I’m working hard to protect our paychecks and prevent a catastrophic shutdown.
*Office of Congressman Jason Crow
Team Crow is here to help – even through a government shutdown.
Reach out to our caseworkers Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, by submitting a request HERE, or calling our Aurora Office at (720) 748-7514.
Click HERE to let us know how the shutdown is impacting you or call our DC Office at (202) 225-7882.
*While our caseworkers will remain available to assist you, please be aware that agency responsiveness will vary during a shutdown.
Below are answers to many of the questions my office has heard recently:
Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?
Beneficiaries will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will provide limited services like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications. However, SSA will stop services like benefit verifications and processing overpayments. Customer service wait times will dramatically increase.
Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?
Current Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits assuming a shutdown lasts less than three months.
What happens to veterans' services?
All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits. However, veterans will be affected by the shutdown for other services that they count on, including education and job training, support for veteran-owned businesses, and even assistance for homeless veterans.
Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown?
When the government shuts down, federal agencies are required to classify their employees whose salaries have lapsed as either "excepted" or "not excepted." The employees classified as "excepted" will be compensated for their work, but will not receive payment until the shutdown has ended. The employees classified as "not excepted" are put on unpaid furlough.
What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?
All active-duty and Guard and Reservists on active-duty orders are excepted and therefore are required to work without pay. On-base non-acute health care will cease, although off-base care provided through TRICARE will not be affected. On-base child care will be open on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement will also be required to work for the duration of a shutdown, but will not receive compensation until the shutdown ends and payment can be processed.
Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended?
Military and federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed.
Will air travel be affected?
Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents will remain on the job, but will not receive compensation until the shutdown ends and payment can be processed. If some do not report to work, as has happened in prior shutdowns, there will be significant delays and longer wait times across the country.
What does this mean for disaster relief efforts?
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff will still respond to emergencies, but all long-term projects will be delayed due to a lack of funding in the Disaster Relief Fund.
How will this affect environmental protection and cleanup?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will stop inspecting most hazardous waste sites, as well as drinking water and chemical facilities. Efforts to address dangerous contaminants like PFAS — which are linked to severe health effects, including cancer — will be delayed, and cleanup activities at Superfund sites will slow or cease.
What is the impact on food assistance?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will quickly run out of funding and be unable to provide food for children and parents in need. In the case of a prolonged shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may also be affected.
What is the impact on food safety activities?
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety activities — such as routine inspections of facilities — will be delayed across the country.
What is the impact on housing?
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will stop insuring some new mortgages and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 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 in a prolonged shutdown.
How will this affect small businesses?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) will stop processing new business loans, such as through the 7(a) and 504 programs. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations.
Will my mail still arrive?
Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown because it does not rely on taxpayer dollars for funding. The agency is funded through the sales of products and services.
What does this mean for medical research?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be forced to delay new clinical trials. New patients who are waiting for a chance at new treatment through a clinical trial will be turned away.
Will I still be able to visit National Parks and monuments?
Across the country, services that require National Park Service staff — including trash removal and operating campgrounds and concessions — may be stopped. Closures will be determined on a location-by-location basis; open-air parks and monuments in Washington, D.C. will likely remain accessible. Smithsonian museums may also be impacted by a lengthy shutdown.
How does this affect passports and help for Americans overseas?
Consular services, passport services, and visa services are expected to continue in the immediate aftermath of a government shutdown. In a prolonged shutdown, passport and visa issuance could be slowed. Access to passport agencies located in some government buildings may be limited.
What is the impact on state and local services?
The federal government shutdown will not immediately affect any state or local services. However, with federal funding cut off, some state or local governments may have to change their operations. Check with state and local agencies for specific questions.
My team and I will continue to provide updates as impacts will vary depending on the duration and extent of a government shutdown.
Please do not hesitate to call my office at (720) 748-7514 with any questions or concerns.