Government Shutdown Resources
What A Government Shutdown Means For You
On February 14, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will run out of funding. This did not have to happen. For weeks, Democrats have told Republicans that they would not authorize additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is under DHS, without additional guardrails.
Congress has a responsibility to fund the government. But lawmakers also have a responsibility to ensure that federal agencies operate within the law and respect constitutional rights. The current DHS funding proposal fails to include basic, common-sense reforms: requiring judicial warrants, mandating body cameras, prohibiting excessive force, and ensuring transparency in enforcement operations. These are reasonable guardrails that protect both public safety and civil liberties.
Instead of working toward responsible reform, President Trump and congressional Republicans are choosing to protect the status quo and trigger a shutdown. Meanwhile, families in Ohio and across the country are still waiting for the lower costs they were promised on ‘day one.’ Groceries aren’t cheaper. Housing isn’t cheaper. Child care isn’t cheaper. This political brinkmanship does nothing to lower prices or help working families get ahead.
Congresswoman Sykes is ready to support a DHS funding package that includes real accountability and real solutions. She will not support legislation that ignores constitutional safeguards and fails to deliver for the American people. Congresswoman Sykes is also urging immediate consideration of her bipartisan Pay Our Military Act to ensure members of the U.S. Coast Guard continue receiving their pay during the shutdown.
How has the government shutdown impacted you?
Tell us how your organization will be impacted by a government shutdown.
Help With A Federal Agency
I need help with a federal agency. What should I do?
Complete a Privacy Release Form at the following link: Help With A Federal Agency
I recently contacted your office and opened a case with a federal agency. What should I expect?
Only the Department of Homeland Security will be impacted by this shutdown. Our Constituent Advocates will still work with you to update you on the status of your case during this time.
Federal Employees
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" work without pay during the shutdown. The employees classified as "not excepted" are put on unpaid furlough. Only federal employees employed by the Department of Homeland Security will be impacted by this shutdown.
I am a federal employee. Will I receive back pay for furloughed days?
Yes. After the 2018-2019 partial shutdown, Congress passed the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, which requires retroactive pay for furloughed employees following the end of a government shutdown. Generally, benefits such as health insurance continue during a shutdown furlough; however, federal employees may need to wait until they are returned to pay status before they can adjust their benefits.The Office of Personnel Management's website also provides general guidance.
Servicemembers and Veterans
What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?
The only military personel impacted by this shutdown is the U.S. Coast Guard. Federal law enforcement will be required to work without pay for the duration of the shutdown.
The status of future paychecks for servicemembers in the U.S. Coast Guard during the shutdown is unclear. Congresswoman Sykes introduced the bipartisan Pay Our Military Act, which would provide appropriations for pay and support for all members of the Armed Forces, civilian personnel at the Department of Defense, members of the Coast Guard, necessary contractors, and reservists during a government shutdown, ensuring no servicemember would be forced to work without pay. This legislation is currently pending in the House of Representatives.
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 VA clinics and hospitals continue operating?
Yes, the VA has already been funded and therefore is not subject to this partial government shutdown. You will still be able to get your prescriptions filled and make appointments with medical providers in the same way you did before the shutdown.
I am a veteran. Will I receive my pension on time?
Yes. You will still receive your pension checks on time.
I am a disabled veteran. Will I receive my benefits on time?
Yes. You will receive your disability benefits on time.
I am a veteran student who receives benefits under the GI Bill or the Veterans Educational Assistance Program. Will I continue to receive payments on time?
Yes. You will receive your GI Bill benefits on time. If you are under the Veterans Educational Assistance Program, you will receive your payments on time, as well.
Passports and Travel
I have flights booked for an upcoming trip. How will this affect my travel?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials operating ports of entry are considered essential workers and will report to work without pay. Ports of entry–including airports–will remain open, and inspection of noncitizens seeking to enter the U.S. will continue. In prior shutdowns, there have been some delays and long wait times at TSA checkpoints.
Can I apply for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Pre-Check and Global Entry?
During the 2018-2019 partial shutdown, TSA PreCheck applications were accepted. Global Entry appointments for enrollment, however, were canceled.
I have an upcoming international trip and need to request or renew a passport. What should I expect?
Yes. Passport processing falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State, which is not impacted by this shutdown.
I am a United States citizen living abroad. Will the local United States embassy be open?
Yes. U.S. Embassies fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State, which is not impacted by this shutdown.
Immigration
If I have an interview or appointment with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), should I attend?
Yes. During the 2018-2019 partial shutdown, biometrics appointments and interviews continued to be scheduled and conducted.
I have a pending application with USCIS. Will it continue to be processed?
During the 2018-2019 partial shutdown, USCIS continued to operate as usual, including accepting and adjudicating immigration-related applications and petitions. At this time, it is our understanding that a potential shutdown would most likely be handled similarly.
I am a business owner and am hiring new employees. Can I use E-Verify to verify a new hire’s eligibility to work?
During the 2018-2019 partial shutdown, E-Verify services were suspended.
Disaster Relief
Will the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) be operating if there is a natural disaster?
During prior shutdowns, most of FEMA's workforce was able to be dispatched to emergencies, but their funding source – the Disaster Relief Fund – remains under extreme stress and in urgent need of additional funds. Employees at FEMA are not expected to furloughed; however, limited funds may impact FEMA’s ability to respond fully to an emergency. FEMA is currently limiting rebuilding projects in order to preserve funds for life-saving emergency response.
How will this affect environmental protection and cleanup?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will stop civil enforcement inspections, which includes inspections of 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 unless a failure in operations would pose an imminent threat to human life. The EPA will continue to provide emergency and disaster assistance and conduct law enforcement and criminal investigations.
Postal Service
Will my mail still arrive?
Yes. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will continue to deliver the mail and is not impacted by this government shutdown.