Government Shutdown Resources
Every year, Congress must pass, and the President must sign, spending legislation for the upcoming fiscal year. A government shutdown happens when Congress fails to pass spending bills before previous funding expires. In a “shutdown,” federal agencies must discontinue all non-essential discretionary functions until new funding legislation is passed and signed into law. Essential services continue to function, as do mandatory spending programs.
This page has information of what we expect to happen, and we will continue to update it as we get more information and guidance.
WILL OUR OFFICE BE OPEN?
Regardless of a government shutdown, our office will remain open to assist you.
If you have a comment or would like to share how this shutdown is impacting you, please send us a message, or contact our Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-8020.
Constituents of Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District who need assistance can find information here or contact our Salem office at (978) 531-1669.
Many federal agencies will be forced to furlough staff, which will slow response times and, in some cases, suspend their services all together. This may include but is not limited to passport appointments and assistance with Social Security, Medicaid, IRS, and Veterans Affairs.
WILL I STILL BE ABLE TO TAKE A CAPITOL TOUR?
No. The Capitol will be closed to the public, with no staff or guide-led tours permitted.
Government Services
WILL MEDICARE, MEDICAID, OR SOCIAL SECURITY BE INTERRUPTED?
Medicare and Medicaid will continue during the government shutdown, but you may experience difficulty reaching these agencies while employees are furloughed.
If you are currently receiving Social Security benefits of any kind, you will continue to receive them as usual. However, SSA will be operating at a limited capacity, and delays are expected for services such as benefit applications, Social Security card requests, overpayment appeals, etc.
WILL THE IRS BE OPERATIONAL?
Offices may be closed across the country. Staff will not be available to assist during the shutdown. During previous shutdowns, the IRS stopped audits, Taxpayer Assistance Programs, and identity verifications.
WILL THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE STILL DELIVER MAIL?
Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is independently funded through its own services and will be unaffected by a shutdown.
HOW WILL OUR MILITARY BE IMPACTED?
The Department of Defense (DoD) will continue defending our nation and all military personnel will continue their usual duty. However, service members may not receive pay during a shutdown if the DoD runs out of funds before the shutdown is resolved. This is patently unfair to our brave service members, and Congressman Moulton proudly sponsors legislation that would ensure our troops are paid during shutdowns.
The National Guard will continue to serve the nation, but will be severely impacted. The Guard’s ability to provide timely assistance and support to Federal, State, and local agencies during current and future crises, respond to wildfires, and support state counterdrug programs will be degraded or must cease entirely.
WHAT HAPPENS TO VETERANS SERVICES?
All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits. However, veterans may be affected by the shutdown of other services, including education and job training, support for veteran-owned businesses, and assistance for homeless veterans.
I RELY ON FOOD PROGRAMS LIKE SNAP AND WIC, WILL I KEEP GETTING MY PAYMENTS?
The Department of Agriculture has authorization to send out SNAP benefits for 30 days from the start of a shutdown. However, if you receive these benefits, it is possible that your benefits may run out shortly after the start of a government shutdown. Congressman Moulton also sponsors legislation that would make sure people do not lose their SNAP benefits during shutdowns.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) does not have sufficient funding to support normal operations beyond a few days into a shutdown - though individual states may have additional money to continue the program.
For more information about SNAP benefits, click here. For more information about WIC benefits, click here.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY FAFSA?
Federal student aid will continue to be distributed during a government shutdown. New FAFSA applications will still be accepted and processed, though delays are expected. If you experience any difficulty with your federal aid or with your FAFSA application, you may not be able to get assistance during a government shutdown.
Travel and Recreation
HOW WILL THIS AFFECT AIRPORT WAIT TIMES AND SECURITY?
Airports across the nation will remain open, but a shutdown will likely result in increased airport wait times. The extent of the disruptions will largely depend on how long a shutdown lasts. The training of new air traffic controllers would also cease, and work on technology upgrades could be disrupted.
If you have air travel booked during this time, please plan on getting to the airport earlier than usual.
CAN I STILL GET MY PASSPORT PROCESSED?
The U.S. The Passport Agency is fee-funded and therefore, remains open during the shutdown and continues to issue passports.
General Assistance
UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
If you are a furloughed employee, or working without pay, you should consider applying for unemployment benefits immediately.. To apply, visit the State’s website, or call (617) 626-6800, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
SNAP
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), more commonly known as food stamps, ensures that Americans can feed their families. Apply for SNAP by calling (877) 382-2363 or by going online.
FUEL ASSISTANCE
Many Massachusetts residents do not realize they are eligible for help paying their gas and electric bills. Call the Cold Relief Heatline at (800)-632-8175 to find out more, or visit the DHCD Resource Locator to get started.
The Massachusetts home energy assistance program (LIHEAP) is a free resource to help eligible households pay a portion of winter heating bills. Find out if you are eligible here or here: masscap.
MASSACHUSETTS 2-1-1
MA 2-1-1 is a free service connecting Massachusetts residents to health and human services in their community. For help, simply dial 2-1-1 from a Massachusetts phone to be connected to an operator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also visit their website at Need Help? - United Way of Massachusetts Bay.
FEDERAL EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
The National Active and Retired Employees Association (NARFE) is a non-profit that advocates for federal employees and their families. They will be posting updates on their website regarding the shutdown and what resources they provide to federal employees.
FOOD PANTRIES
194 Main St, Amesbury, MA 01913 Phone: (978) 388-1907 | 35 Park Street Beverly, MA 01915 Phone (978) 927-1561 | 12 Mudge Way Bedford, MA 01730 Phone: (781) 275-7727 | 21-23 Murray Ave Burlington, MA 01803 Phone: (781) 270-6625 |
4 Georgetown Road Boxford, MA 01921 Phone: (978) 887-5841 | 12 Sylvan St Danvers, MA 01923 | Open Door Pantry | Phoenix Food Hub |
74 South Common Street Lynn, MA 01902 Phone: (781) 599-4220 | 38 Maple Street Middleton, MA 01949 Phone: (978) 777- 4067 | Citizens Inn—Haven from Hunger Pantry 71 Wallis Street Peabody, MA 01960 Phone: (978) 531-1530
| 27 Congress Street Salem, MA 01970 Phone: (978) 552-3954 |
*This list is not exhaustive. Find your local food pantry here.*
What Can You Do to Help?
The unsatisfying answer is that there is little that can be done right now to stop this crisis until President Trump and House Republicans come to their senses and agree on a path forward.
At home, check in on your friends and neighbors who might be impacted by a shutdown. This is a good time to look into public service opportunities in your community. Building community over our political divides is the antidote to this division and it will make us stronger as a country.
What Have I Been Doing?
The Pay Our Military Act
This bill would make sure that, even during a shutdown, members of our Armed Forces — including reservists, civilian defense personnel, and essential contractors — continue to receive their pay.
The Feed Our Families Act
This would allow families who rely on SNAP (food stamps) to keep accessing their benefits for up to three months after a shutdown begins.
The Pay Our Troops Act
This ensures military service members are paid during any shutdown in the 2026 fiscal year.
The Securing Assurance for Federal Employees (SAFE) Act
This legislation would prohibit layoffs of federal workers during a shutdown — a direct response to the disturbing trend we’ve seen of hardworking civil servants being treated like political pawns. It also requires reinstatement and back pay for any workers terminated in violation of this law.
Pay Federal Workers and Servicemembers Act (HR 1988)
This bill allowed for unpaid federal workers eligible for unemployment benefits
Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act
This ensures federal contract workers, including low-wage food service, janitorial, and security service workers, are fairly compensated for the wages and benefits lost due to a lapse in appropriations.