|
This week we are faced with the first government shutdown in almost a decade. Government shutdowns are disruptive and expensive, especially given this region’s reliance on federal workers and government contractors. As someone that spent his career in government contracting, I know first-hand the uncertainty challenges federal employees and federal contractor employees face during a shutdown. The impact of this shutdown goes beyond those directly affected; it hits our restaurants, retail, and other businesses. It also delays local development projects and studies.
This shutdown is different than in prior years as the region also has a large number of federal employees that opted for retirement on September 30 and will have received their last paycheck with uncertainty on when their retirement checks will start. Additionally, there is some uncertainty about payment or job retention for furloughed workers. As an employer and elected official, I can assure you I do not agree with the way this is being handled and it is no way to treat employees.
I remain committed to helping our families get through this difficult time and my office will do everything it can to answer any questions you may have or direct you to the proper authorities. The emotional toll and sense of uncertainty this shutdown is having on our residents should not have happened and I am hopeful it will end soon.
Below I have provided information our office has pulled together to answer your questions and provide some relief during the shutdown including answers to frequently asked questions, resources for federal employees, resources and guidance for contractors and businesses, a list of businesses stepping up to help impacted employees and a link to local resources.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Below are some answers to frequently asked questions provided by new Congressman James Walkinshaw:
Why does the government shut down?
The government shuts down when Congress is unable to pass appropriations bills that fund the operations of federal agencies and programs. These 12 appropriations bills are designed to fund the government until the conclusion of each fiscal year, which ends on September 30. In the absence of routine appropriations bills, Congress may pass temporary measures, known as a continuing resolution (CR). Currently, the federal government is operating under a CR that expires on September 30, 2025. In the absence of approved appropriations bills or a CR, the government faces a shutdown due to a lack of authorized funding.
Will I continue to receive my Social Security?
A shutdown will not impact Social Security benefit payments, but be aware that benefit verifications have ceased, meaning new recipients may see delays in processing their claims.
Will Medicare or Medicaid be interrupted?
Medicare and Medicaid will continue for the foreseeable future, but you may experience difficulty reaching these agencies, as some employees are furloughed. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will be unable to issue Medicare replacement cards, and could slow new enrollment processing.
Is USPS still delivering mail?
All services under the Postal Service will continue unimpacted throughout a government shutdown.
Will my student loans continue to be disbursed?
Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans can continue to be obligated and make disbursement during a shutdown, but only as long as carryover and mandatory appropriations last. Free Applications for Student Aid (FAFSA), Pell Grant, and Federal Direct Student Loans, and servicing of federal student loans could continue for a “very limited time” under a shutdown. If the shutdown continues for an extended period of time, school districts, colleges, and universities may begin to experience funding shortages due to lapsed federal funding. There are also additional considerations with the Administration cutting the Department of Education workforce. While we don’t yet know exactly how this will impact specific programs that the Department of Education operates, we can expect delays.
I am a federal employee. Will I still be paid?
Under a government shutdown, all non-essential federal employees are placed on unpaid leave, also known as a furlough. However, essential employees who perform emergency work involving the safety of human life, the protection of property, or other exempted work must continue to report to their job. Each federal agency will determine which employees will be furloughed and which must continue to report to work. Furloughs are expected to impact the services that agencies provide to the public. Neither essential nor furloughed employees are authorized to receive compensation during a lapse in government funding. The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, 31 U.S.C. § 1341 (GEFTA) statutorily requires retro-active pay for furloughed and essential employees following the end of a lapse in government funding. The exact timeframe for retro-active payment will depend on the length of the lapse in government funding and start date of the enacted continuing resolution or appropriations bill. For more details, please visit the Office of Personnel Management’s website at the link here.
Do military personnel continue working?
Yes, the Department of Defense will continue defending our nation and all military personnel will continue in their duties as usual, but servicemembers will not receive pay during a government shutdown.
Can veterans still get treatment at the VA or access other services?
All functions within the Veterans Health Administration will continue, and veterans will continue to receive compensation and pension claims.
Should I cancel my upcoming travel plans?
You can and should continue to enjoy your travel plans! TSA officers and air traffic controllers are considered essential and are reporting to work throughout the shutdown. However, both TSA and Air Traffic Control are currently working without pay, so please be patient with any delays.
I’m coming to DC, will my tours still take place?
Unfortunately, tour guides and visitor centers of DC’s government buildings are considered non-essential and have been closed. This means that all tours of the U.S. Capitol, White House, and FBI Building have been canceled during the shutdown. The Supreme Court and Bureau of Engraving and Printing will be open for tours; however, these tours book up far in advance and may not be available for last-minute scheduling.
What about international travel?
All services at international embassies and consulates will continue during a lapse of appropriations. If you are abroad and need help, you can contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Will my passport renewal still be processed?
The State Department will continue to process passport applications and visa requests as long as funding and the collection of fees allow. However, delayed processing times are expected.
I rely on food programs like SNAP and WIC. Will I keep getting my payments?
Funding for WIC will run out of remaining funding quickly and may be unable to provide food for children and parents in need. SNAP recipients should expect to receive their monthly allotment and retailers will continue to accept SNAP benefits. SNAP applications and the ability for employees at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to send out new benefits could be affected by a shutdown. If the shutdown lasts more than 30 days, there could be bigger impacts on the program.
Resources for Federal Employees
Virginia Congresswoman Jen Kiggans has provided some useful links for Federal Workers:
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.
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.
Local Businesses Stepping Up to Help Impacted Employees:
FFX Now has provided a partial list of restaurants in Fairfax County are offering deals to show their support for federal employees affected by the shutdown.
Thompson Restaurants, a Reston-based hospitality group, announced yesterday that, as long as the shutdown continues, government employees can show their ID and receive 20% off their bill. The company operates several prominent chains in the region, including Big Buns, Matchbox, Makers Union, Wiseguy Pizza, Milk and Honey and Velocity Wings.
The D.C.-based chain &pizza, which has locations in Fairfax City, Fair Oaks Mall, Reston, Tysons, Seven Corners and Springfield, is offering a 30% discount to all government workers through Oct. 12.
According to Patch, Taco Bamba is offering free tacos to federal employees, and the fast-casual Indian restaurant Rasa has launched $10 Shutdown Chicken and Veggie Bowls only available to government workers who show a valid ID. Federal employees can also get 50% off their first order from Farmside Kitchen, which opened earlier this year in Chantilly, if they show their ID.
Compass Coffee is giving federal workers a free pastry of their choice with any drink order, per Washingtonian.
Links to County Resources:
The County has pulled together the following web site with local resources to help those County residents impacted by the shutdown. Please see the link below:
Federal Government Shutdown Impacts and Resources | News Center
My office will continue to work to keep you informed and up to date on developments. Please let us know if you have any thoughts, items we should share or questions.
| 
