Government Shutdown: What You Need to Know

I know many people are worried about this government shutdown. I am doing everything I can to push for a bipartisan solution to end this crisis as quickly as possible. Families in St. Louis and across the country should not have to carry the burden of Washington gridlock.

During a shutdown, many federal agencies operate with limited staff, which disrupts the services people depend on. My office is open and here to help you navigate these challenges. Below, you'll find answers to common questions, resources, and contact information for my team.

If you need assistance, please call my district office at (314) 955-9980.

What is a government shutdown?

Each fiscal year, Congress must pass appropriations bills to fund the federal government. If these bills are not signed into law by the start of the new fiscal year, agencies lose funding. Many workers are furloughed, while others are required to work without pay to keep critical services running.

What are the economic consequences?

Shutdowns are costly. The five-week partial shutdown in 2018–2019 reduced economic output by $11 billion, and the 2013 shutdown reduced GDP growth by $20 billion. They disrupt families, delay services, and create uncertainty in our economy.

When will it end?

The shutdown can only end when Congress passes appropriations bills that are signed into law. That requires bipartisan action, and I am committed to working with my colleagues to reopen the government swiftly.

Getting help during a shutdown

Even during a shutdown, my office continues to serve constituents. While federal agencies may experience delays, we can help with:

  • Passports
  • Veterans' benefits
  • Social Security and Medicare
  • Small business services
  • Other agency casework

Call my district office at (314) 955-9980 during business hours to get started.

Share your concerns: Take the shutdown survey

How are different groups impacted?

Federal employees

During a shutdown, "excepted" federal employees must continue working but do so without pay until the government reopens. Those who are "not excepted" are placed on furlough, meaning they are temporarily out of work. All federal workers will eventually receive back pay, but contractors will not unless Congress takes separate action.

Military servicemembers

Active-duty military personnel are required to keep working even if their pay is delayed. Some services on bases, such as non-acute health care and child care, may be reduced or temporarily closed. Off-base care provided through Tricare is not affected.

Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid

Benefits from Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid continue during a shutdown, but many related services slow down. Tasks such as issuing new cards, verifying benefits, or responding to customer service inquiries may face significant delays, leading to longer wait times.

Veterans

Veterans' medical care through the VA remains available, and benefits continue to be processed. However, certain support programs, like job training, may be temporarily suspended until funding resumes.

Small businesses

The Small Business Administration typically stops processing new loans during a shutdown. In the 2018–2019 shutdown, this caused over $2 billion worth of small business loans to be delayed, a setback that could occur again.

Agriculture

Farmers may face delays as USDA farm loan processing and some risk coverage programs are paused. This interruption can affect both ongoing operations and long-term planning.

Nutrition assistance

Programs such as SNAP and WIC are vulnerable to funding disruptions during a shutdown. Families, women, and children who depend on these programs for food assistance may see reduced or delayed access.

Air travel

Air traffic controllers and TSA officers must continue working without pay, which can strain staffing levels and lead to longer lines and flight delays. Passport processing, already slow in many cases, may face further delays.

Mail

The U.S. Postal Service is funded separately from congressional appropriations and will continue its operations normally during a shutdown.

Housing and disaster relief

Agencies like FHA, HUD, and USDA may pause the processing of new housing loans. FEMA will continue to respond to emergencies, but long-term recovery and rebuilding projects could experience delays.

Food safety

The FDA may halt routine food safety inspections during a shutdown, though emergency inspections will still go forward to address immediate risks.

Learn more