Navigating a Government Shutdown
This is an archived page from the potential government shutdown of Fall 2023. This page is currently being updated for the potential government shutdown of Winter 2024. Please check back intermittently for updates, and sign up for our newsletter to stay informed.
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DISCLAIMER: The following information is accurate if a shutdown were to occur, as of Sep. 25th, 2023, we will do our best to consistently update this page. Unfortunately, due to the dynamic nature of a government shutdown, it is difficult to provide live information about the current operations of various agencies. Please contact our office for assistance, or reach out to the federal agency you need assistance from to get the most up to date information on federal operations. |
Your Guide to Staying Informed During the Potential 2023 Government Shutdown
As you know, unfortunately, the government appears to be heading towards a potential shutdown due to Congressional Republicans' inaction to fund the government and keep operations open.
If legislation is not enacted to continue to fund the government, at 12:00am ET on October 1, 2023, certain government programs will be impacted, resulting in a range of disruptions in essential services. While as of right now, we might be able to avoid this catastrophe, I want to ensure you have the information you need regarding any potential 2023 government shutdown and how it might affect your everyday life. Here’s what you need to know:
How did we get here?
Each year, Congress must pass legislation to fund government operations for the coming fiscal year. While Democrats and President Biden are united in fighting to maintain spending for the programs our communities need to thrive, House Republicans cannot even find consensus among themselves to fund the government and have failed to pass reasonable legislation to do so.
We deserve assurances that our government can serve us, and House Republican disarray and selfish strategy risks impacting government services and weakening our economy. Since working Americans will feel these impacts first, I remain committed to eliminating this unnecessary shutdown.
What does this mean for you?
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Office of Rep. Maxwell Frost:
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Regardless of a government shutdown, our office will remain open to assist you.
- Our Resource Guides are available 24/7 for you and your loved ones.
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Constituents of Florida’s 10th Congressional District who need assistance can submit their request here, or reach one of our caseworkers from 9-5pm, Mon-Fri, at (321)-388-9808. Please note, we will have a reduced ability to assist constituents depending on what Federal Agencies are deemed as essential employees.
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If you have a comment or would like to share how this shutdown is impacting you, please send us a message, or reach out to our D.C. office, 9-5pm, Mon-Fri, at (202)-225-2176.
- Our office will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day in observance of the holiday. We hope you have a beautiful holiday season with your loved ones. Remember, on a weekend or holiday you can always submit your case online and we will assist you once we're back!
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U.S. Postal Service: Post Offices will remain open, and mail delivery will continue.
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Food Assistance Programs: The following programs will continue operations, but the situation may change depending on the length of the shutdown. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Child Nutrition (CN) Programs will continue operations at least until February 2024
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Social Security:
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Social Security checks will be mailed out as usual. This process is automated and remains unaffected by a potential shutdown.
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However, new applications and folks needing to update their information may experience delays. For inquiries about your application, please contact my district office at (321)-388-9808.
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Veterans:
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VA services will still be available, the Orlando VA Medical Center will remain open.
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Please note that VA call centers and hotlines will be temporarily closed, and Veterans Benefits Administration public contact services will not be available.
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There are reports of minor delays in receiving discharge documentation necessary to process loan applications.
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Travel:
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Air travel should generally not be affected, but you may experience some longer times at TSA, or delays/cancellations due to staffing issues. TSA, Air Traffic Controllers, and Customs and Border Protection agents will continue their operations.
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However, all aviation security workers – air traffic controllers, animal and plant inspectors, aviation safety experts, Customs and Border Patrol officials, and Transportation Security Agency officers are working without pay.
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Passport application processing and issuance may experience significant delays.
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Online applications for TSA PreCheck are being accepted, but the Department of Homeland Security suspends Global Entry applications during the shutdown.
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FEMA:
FEMA staff will continue to respond to emergencies.
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Federal Grants and Business Opportunities:
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You are encouraged to always submit your grant application ahead of the deadline.?
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The Grants.gov is operational; however, there may be limited staff to provide assistance depending on the agency.
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The Grants.gov Contact Center phone number is 1-800-518-GRANTS, and email Support@Grants.gov.
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Small Business Administration Loans’ processing and adjudication will be impacted.
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U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS):
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USCIS is fee-funded, so it remains open and continues to process applications. You should attend interviews and appointments as scheduled.
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Military Personnel:
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Active-duty military personnel will not be affected and will continue their duties as usual.
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Civilian employees and training operations may experience disruptions.
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National Parks:
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The Department of Interior intends to keep some parks and open-air memorials open, though it's recommended to verify their status before visiting.
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Indoor facilities like the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park, the Smithsonian Museums, and the National Gallery of Art will be closed.
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Federal Employees:
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Agencies will determine "essential personnel" on a case-by-case basis. Those classified as such will still be required to work.
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In 2013, legislation was passed to ensure all federal workers receive their full pay during a shutdown.
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Some federal agencies may temporarily close, potentially affecting state and local agencies receiving federal funds.
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Visiting Washington D.C.:
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Some popular attractions may be affected. We encourage you to reach out to the office of the attraction you’re interested in visiting for more information.
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Capitol tours will not be offered. If you've booked a tour through our office and wish to reschedule, please contact us at (202) 225-2176.
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Need Assistance?
In these challenging times, your engagement and vigilance are more vital than ever. Together, we can work towards a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of all Americans.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at (202) 225-2176 with any questions or concerns.
Get Help from Our Caseworkers: Constituent Services Request Form
Call My Office: (321)-388-9808
Not in FL-10 (Central Florida/Orlando)?: Find Your Representative on House.gov