Government Shutdown Information
As of 12:01 a.m. on October 1, 2025, funding for many federal government operations has lapsed. While I supported a bipartisan package passed by the House that would extend current funding until November 21, 2025, allowing both Chambers to proceed in completing Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills through regular budget order, that legislation did not pass the Senate.
Please be aware that despite the government shutdown, my offices remain open and we are continuing to serve Idahoans to the fullest extent possible. While many federal agencies may have slower response times, my casework team can still submit requests and advocate on your behalf. You can submit casework requests on our website here.
As Congress works to reopen the government, here are some frequently asked questions regarding a government shutdown. As impacts vary by agency, please visit the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) here for the latest information.
What Is A Government Shutdown?
Many federal government agencies and programs rely on annual funding appropriations authorized by Congress. Every year, the U.S. Congress must pass all 12 annual appropriation bills in order to fund federal government agencies by October 1. In a “shutdown,” federal agencies must discontinue all non-essential discretionary functions until new funding legislation is passed and signed into law. However, essential services continue to function, as do mandatory spending programs, even while the government is shut down.
What Services Are Not Impacted?
Each federal agency develops its own shutdown plan, following guidance released in previous shutdowns and coordinated by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The plan identifies which government activities may not continue until appropriations are restored, requiring furloughs and the halting of many agency activities. Essential services, many of which are related to public safety, continue to operate.
While the programs listed below will continue, the agencies responsible for administering them may see reduced workforces, impacting operations. Please note this is not a comprehensive list as we are continuing to gather information.
- Social Security payments, including SSI benefits
- Medicare and Medicaid benefits
- VA medical care and benefits (check for some regional office closures)
- SNAP benefits (a prolonged shutdown could create disruptions)
- Disability payments
- Mail delivery
- Federal law enforcement and military operations
- Air travel
- Federal employee retirement payments
- Student aid, such as Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans
- Visits to national Smithsonian Museums (until at least Monday, October 6; a prolonged shutdown could cause temporary closure)
- Visa and passport services (longer wait times are possible and likely due to staffing adjustments)
The Department of the Interior released guidance on agency shutdown activities; that information can be found here.
Federal Employee Resources
For agency-specific details, federal employees should visit their department’s .gov site for guidance and to check their resource pages.