Government Shutdown Resources

As of 12:01 a.m. on October 1, funding for many federal government operations has lapsed. I supported a package passed by the House that would extend current funding until November 21, 2025, but the proposal did not pass the Senate.

Despite the shutdown, my office is here to help residents of Louisiana’s 5th District with issues they are facing with federal agencies. While many federal agencies may have slower response times and minimal staffing, we can still submit requests and advocate on your behalf. You can submit casework requests on our website here.

I am also committed to keeping you informed about how the shutdown may or may not affect you. Many essential services, like Social Security payments, will still be provided while the government is closed. 

Federal agencies are responsible for their own shutdown plans, and impacts vary by agency. Visit the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website for the latest details.  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.

How did we get here?

The U.S. Congress must pass annual appropriations measures in order 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 while we finish our work for the full fiscal year. This was a clean, straightforward extension of existing funding.

Unfortunately this proposal did not pass the Senate, as Senate Democrats have repeatedly 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 to continue by law.

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 (NOTE: if you receive Social Security benefits via physical check, there may be delays)
  • Medicare and Medicaid benefits
  • VA medical care and benefits (although some regional offices may be closed)
  • Disability payments
  • Mail delivery
  • Federal law enforcement and military operations
  • Air travel (although longer security lines are possible)
  • Federal employee retirement payments
  • Student aid such as Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans
  • Visa and passport services (although longer wait times are possible)
  • Partial National Park access (more info here)

Update on National Smithsonian Museums

Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo are temporarily closed due to the shutdown. More information can be found at www.si.edu.

Update on Capitol Tours

Tours of the U.S. Capitol are suspended due to the shutdown. 

Update on White House Tours

The White House will reopen its doors for public tours on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Our office can now resume submitting tour requests for constituents for the month of December.

Services for Veterans

Core VA medical services remain available during the shutdown, while other assistance programs and regional offices are closed. You can find more information from the Department of Veterans Affairs here.

VA Services Still Available: 

  • VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics/Community Based Outpatient Care, and Vet Centers will be open as usual and providing all services.
  • VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits.
  • Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries. Applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits processing will continue.
  • The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue decisions on Veterans’ cases.
  • Call Centers: VA’s primary call center (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) will remain open 24/7.
  • The VA Benefit Hotline (1-800-827-1000) will be available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.
  • Suicide prevention programs, homelessness services, and caregiver support will continue.

VA Services Impacted by the Shutdown:

  • VA will cease providing transition program assistance and career counseling.
  • Call Centers: VA’s GI Bill (1-888-GIBILL-1) and National Cemetery Applicant Assistance (1-800-697-6947) hotlines will be closed.
  • VA benefits regional offices will be closed.
  • Public Affairs and outreach to Veterans will cease, including social media, VetResources emails, and responses to press inquiries.
  • No grounds maintenance or placement of permanent headstones at VA cemeteries.

Update on Farm Service Agency Offices

Local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices have reopened for core operations during the shutdown, allowing farmers to submit loan applications and access financial aid.

Update on the National Flood Insurance Program

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has also expired. I voted to reauthorize the program in the House-passed bill to prevent a shutdown, but a lack of Senate action caused the program to expire. 

Current policies remain active, and claims will continue to be processed and paid. However, new policies and renewals are on hold. See the below updates on the NFIP's expiration from the Louisiana Department of Insurance. 

  • New policies and renewals are stopped: The NFIP cannot issue new polciies or renew existing ones until reauthorized.

  • Existing policies and claims are safe: Your current policy remains active, and the NFIP will still process and pay claims.

  • Home closings affected: If you're property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), flood insurance is still legally required for a real estate closing.

  • Need coverage now?: Talk to your insurance agent about private flood insurance options to meet closing requirements.

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.