On October 1, 2025, the federal government entered a shutdown due to a lapse of funding. My offices in Mississippi and in Washington D.C. will remain open and fully staffed to continue serving Mississippians during this time.
I know there are many questions about federal resources and services during a government shutdown. Common Q&As are included below, but please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any additional questions or concerns. My staff is available to answer questions and to continue assisting with casework; however, we can expect a delay in responses from federal agencies throughout the duration of a shutdown as many federal employees are furloughed during a funding lapse.
In the meantime, I will continue working with my colleagues to fund the government and resume full operations.
Q: Will I still receive my Social Security checks?
- Yes. Social Security checks will continue to be mailed out.
Q: Will I still be able to send/receive mail?
- Yes. The United States Postal Service has its own revenue stream outside of the federal government.
Q: Will air travel be affected?
- Air traffic controllers, TSA, and Customs officers will continue working, so air traffic should be largely unaffected, though there could be some delays.
Q: Will I still receive my Medicare checks?
- Medicare checks will continue to be mailed out, and you will continue to receive Medicaid benefits. However, staff furloughs could make resolving disputes or having questions answered more difficult until the government reopens.
Q: Will I still get my food assistance?
- SNAP and WIC will continue to operate at the onset of a shutdown:
- WIC has a small contingency fund that is expected to maintain benefits for approximately one week.
- SNAP benefits will be sent as normal, though staffing furloughs could prohibit the processing of benefits should a shutdown extend a month or longer.
Q: Can I still apply for a passport?
- Yes, the State Department will continue to process passport applications.
Q: Will VA benefits or facilities be affected?
- VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits; however, benefits regional offices will be closed.
- Additionally, VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open as usual and will provide all services.
Q: What will happen to our military?
- Active-duty military will continue in a normal duty status, and global military operations will continue. Active-duty members of the military are exempt from shutdown furloughs.
Q: Will National Parks be open?
- Open-air parks and memorials will be open but with reduced visitor services. Most parks will be closed.
Q: Will Smithsonian Museums be open?
- Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo will be open to the public during the federal government shutdown at least through Monday, October 6, 2025. Updates will be posted as needed on the Smithsonian’s website (https://www.si.edu/).
