Your Guide to the Democrat Government Shutdown

At 12:01 a.m. on October 1, 2025, the federal government entered a shutdown after Congressional Democrats blocked funding to keep it open. I have always supported keeping the government open, and I voted for a continuing resolution that funded the government until November 21, 2025. While the proposal passed the House, Democrats blocked passage in the Senate.

During the shutdown, my office will continue to assist constituents from Nebraska's First Congressional District. Federal agencies have been instructed to execute an orderly shutdown due to lack of funding. While we may not be able to get an immediate response for you from a federal agency, you can still submit casework requests on my website here. 

The impact of the government shutdown will vary depending on the agency. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website has the best information.  

How did we get here?

The U.S. Congress must pass annual appropriations measures to fund federal government agencies by October 1. On September 19, I supported a measure that passed the House of Representatives extending current federal funding until November 21 to allow time to complete work on spending bills for the full fiscal year. This was a clean, straightforward extension of existing funding without extraneous policy.

Sadly, Senate Democrats blocked the measure and shut down the government. This means that many federal agencies do not currently have the authority to operate. Other programs deemed essential are allowed by law to continue.

What kinds of 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 (although some regional offices may be closed)
  • SNAP benefits (although a prolonged shutdown could create disruptions)
  • 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
  • Visits to national Smithsonian Museums (until at least Monday, October 6)
  • Visa and passport services (although longer wait times are possible)

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.

For agency-specific details, visit your department’s .gov site (e.g., www.dhs.gov, www.va.gov) and check their HR or shutdown resource pages.