Government Shutdown FAQs

On September 19, 2025, Rep. Kelly joined a bipartisan majority in the U.S. House of Representatives and voted for a continuing resolution (CR) that would have funded the government through November 21. It's a clean, responsible short-term solution -- without strings attached -- to keep government's lights on and its doors open while Congress works out a long-term budget. 

Now, Senate Democrats have repeatedly voted against this legislation and are demanding to include more than $1 trillion in new spending in any spending package.

Here are a few things you need to know as negotiations to end the shutdown continue in Washington:

• Social Security & Medicare benefits will continue during a shutdown.
• Veterans Administration medical centers, outpatient clinics, and Vet Centers will be open during a shutdown.
• U.S. Postal Service operations are not affected by a government shutdown; mail delivery will continue, and Post Offices will remain open.
• Air travel: Air traffic controllers, Customs and Border Patrol officers, and TSA officers will remain on the job, though some travel delays are possible.
• The U.S. Passport Agency will continue to issue passports during a shutdown.
• SNAP & WIC: Though funding for the SNAP program is mandatory, the ability to distribute benefits could be affected during an extended government shutdown. WIC will continue to enroll families and provide services as long as funding is available. WIC families should continue to use their WIC benefits and attend their appointments.
• National parks may shutdown.

Please note: This page will be updated as more information becomes available.