Government Shutdown Information for NC-09

As of 12:01 a.m. on October 1, funding for many federal government operations has lapsed. I voted for a clean, commonsense bill in the House to extend government funding while Congress finishes work on long-term appropriations. Unfortunately, the Senate refused to act, forcing a shutdown.

Even so, my team and I are here to serve the people of North Carolina’s 9th District. If you are experiencing difficulties with a federal agency, we can still submit casework requests and advocate on your behalf. Please note that many agencies will have reduced staffing, so you should expect delays.

📞 To reach us directly, call 910-910-1924 or [click here to submit a casework request].

This page will be updated as new information becomes available.

Constituent Services

What happens to my casework during the shutdown?
Our office will continue to process new and existing constituent casework requests. Some federal agencies may pause certain functions during a lapse in funding, which could delay responses. Please contact us for specific details about your case.

What Services Will Continue?

During the shutdown, many essential services will remain in place, though with possible delays:

• Social Security and SSI benefits Social Security beneficiaries would continue receiving their Social Security, Social Security Disability Insurance, and SSI payments; Hearings and all critical services will continue.
• Medicare and Medicaid benefits Payments and services will continue
• VHA/VAMC All veteran medical care and critical services will continue
• VBA/VARO VA regional benefit offices will close, and transition services (such as career counseling) will pause.
• Military and federal law enforcement operations
• Air travel (TSA and air traffic controllers remain on duty, but expect delays)
• Mail delivery (U.S. Postal Service continues normal operations)
• SNAP benefits (though disruptions are possible if the shutdown is prolonged)
• Student aid (Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans)
• Federal employee retirement payments

Travel and Washington, D.C. Visits

• The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Library of Congress, National Archives, U.S. Supreme Court, and White House tours will be suspended.
• Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo may remain open temporarily using reserve funds, but will close once funds run out.
• The U.S. Capitol Flag Office will be closed, so flag requests cannot be processed during the shutdown.

Federal Employees and Contractors

• Federal employees: Some will be furloughed, while others deemed essential must continue working without pay. Congress has guaranteed back pay once the government reopens.
• Federal contractors: New contracts and modifications will not be issued. Expect delays in procurement and payments.

Resources:

• OPM Operating Status
• OPM Shutdown Furlough Guidance
• Thrift Savings Plan Updates

At a Glance: Key Agency Operations

• Department of Defense
  Active-duty military will continue reporting for duty. Civilian personnel not deemed essential will be furloughed.
• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
  VA health facilities remain open. Benefits—including compensation, pension, education, and housing—will continue. VA regional benefit offices will close, and transition services (such as career counseling) will pause.
• Social Security Administration (SSA)
  Benefits, applications, hearings, and card replacements will continue, though delays are possible.
• Health & Human Services (HHS)
  Medicare continues. CHIP state payments and Federal Marketplace eligibility checks continue. Claims processing may be slowed by staffing shortages.
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
  The IRS and the Taxpayer Advocate Service will continue normal operations.
• Department of State
  Passport, visa, and U.S. citizen services abroad continue, though some domestic support may be suspended, leading to longer processing times.
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
  Law enforcement and life-safety operations continue without interruption.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
  Most services continue as usual (interviews, biometrics, naturalizations, asylum). E-Verify is suspended.
• Department of Agriculture
  SNAP benefits continue through October, but a prolonged shutdown may cause delays. WIC and school meal programs may face disruptions if the shutdown continues.
• Department of Education
  Pell Grants, FAFSA processing, and Federal Direct Student Loans will continue, but customer service delays are expected.
• Small Business Administration (SBA)
  Most new loans and loan processing will be halted, except for limited disaster programs.
• FEMA
  Emergency response continues, but longer-term rebuilding projects may be delayed due to limited funding.
• National Parks & Interior
  National Park sites, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, will be closed. Visitor centers and services will not operate.