Government Shutdown FAQ 

A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass funding legislation (appropriations bills or a continuing resolution) to pay for government operations. Without this funding, federal agencies must pause non-essential functions until funding is provided. 

The length depends on how quickly Congress and the President agree on funding legislation. Some shutdowns last only a few days, while others have extended for weeks. 

Yes. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits will continue because they are mandatory spending programs, not dependent on annual appropriations. 
 

Yes. VA medical facilities will remain open and benefits payments will continue, though some administrative services may be delayed. 

Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is self-funded and will continue operating as usual. 
 

Yes. Air traffic controllers and TSA officers are considered essential and will continue working, though passengers may experience delays if staffing is strained. 
 

Courts will continue operating for a limited time using reserve funds. If the shutdown is prolonged, some federal court operations could be reduced. 
 

Yes. The IRS will continue processing tax returns and refunds, though customer service may be limited. 

Most new SBA loan applications will be delayed during a shutdown because agency staff are furloughed. Existing loans and servicing may continue, but new approvals often pause until funding is provided. 

USDA rural housing loans and some Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans may face delays since staff needed to process them are furloughed. 

Active-duty service members are required to report for duty and continue their missions. However, unless Congress passes specific legislation to protect military pay during the shutdown, service members will have their pay delayed until funding is restored, at which time they will receive back pay for the time they worked during the shutdown. In past shutdowns, Congress has often acted to ensure military personnel are paid on time. 

I have cosponsored the Pay Our Troops Act which would ensure our active-duty service members would be paid during the shutdown. I hope to see this legislation voted on very soon. 

Military healthcare facilities remain open, and essential services for families continue. Some support services, such as base recreational activities or certain family programs, may be limited depending on funding. 
 

No. National security, intelligence, and active military operations are considered essential and continue uninterrupted. 

Essential employees (such as law enforcement, national security, and public safety workers) must continue working but will not be paid until funding is secured, at which time they will receive back pay for their work during the shutdown. Non-essential employees will be furloughed, meaning they are placed on temporary unpaid leave until the government reopens. 

In past shutdowns, Congress has authorized back pay after funding was restored. While this is not guaranteed, it has been standard practice. 

Yes. Essential law enforcement officers (such as Border Patrol, FBI, DEA, and U.S. Marshals) continue to work. Like the military, they will not receive pay until funding is restored, at which time they will receive back pay for their work during the shutdown. 

FEMA will continue to respond to emergencies and natural disasters. However, longer-term recovery projects or new grant applications may be delayed. 

Benefits will continue. However, some administrative functions may slow down if the shutdown lasts for an extended period. 

SNAP (food stamps) will continue for a limited time using existing funds, but a prolonged shutdown could affect distribution schedules. WIC and other nutrition programs may experience interruptions depending on state-level funding. 

Yes. State programs like unemployment insurance will continue, though if they rely on federal funding streams, delays could occur if the shutdown extends to months. 

Students will still be able to submit FAFSA applications, and loan payments will continue. However, processing for new applications or customer service may be delayed. 

It depends. Some sites may remain open to visitors, but services such as restrooms, visitor centers, and trash collection may be suspended. Others may close completely. 

Joshua Tree National Park (CA-23): The park remains open during the shutdown. All portions of the park normally open to the public 24/7 are accessible. Visitor centers operated by local partners in Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley, and Joshua Tree remain open, while Cottonwood and Black Rock Visitor Centers are closed. Limited staffing will remain for public safety, restrooms, and trash at campgrounds and trailheads. 

Mojave National Preserve: Facilities, campgrounds, and visitor centers will close. Roads may remain open but with no trash service, restrooms, or emergency assistance. 

San Bernardino National Forest (CA-23 portions): Trail access may remain open, but services such as ranger stations, campgrounds, and permits will be suspended. 

BLM Lands (High Desert region): BLM-managed lands will largely remain open for public access, but permits, visitor centers, and law enforcement/ranger support will be limited. 

The State Department will continue to issue passports and visas as long as there is sufficient funding from fees. Delays may occur if staff availability is reduced. 

Some applications may be delayed, especially in programs such as small business loans, housing loans, and new federal research grants, depending on the length of the shutdown. 

Yes. Our offices in both Washington, D.C., and Hesperia, California will remain open to assist constituents. If you need help with a federal agency, our staff will do everything possible to assist, but please note that some cases may be delayed if the relevant agency is affected by the shutdown. In addition, all U.S. Capitol tours will be suspended until normal operations resume. 

Come back to this page for updates 

Check official federal agency websites (for example, Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, etc.) 

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