January 11, 2019

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Releases Constituent Resource Guide on the Government Shutdown

Oakland, CA – Congresswoman Lee released this constituent resource guide for constituents affected by the 2018-2019 government shutdown:

On December 22, 2018, funding lapsed for a number federal government agencies. The government shutdown is already having an impact on some federal programs, and other services could be impacted by an extended funding lapse. The Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) website provides general guidance, as does the Office of Management and Budget’s Contingency Plan web page, which compiles agency guidance for a federal government shutdown.

During the shutdown, nearly 800,000 federal employees are on furlough or working without pay, and thousands more federal contractors are also not working. In California, more than 37,000 federal employees are affected by the shutdown, including many in the 13th Congressional District. Below you can find information on how the government shutdown will impact certain federal services, as well as links to resources for federal employees who have been furloughed or are working without pay.

As always, my district office can provide assistance and guidance. Contact the office by calling (510) 763-0370 or through my website at Lee.House.Gov.

Funding has lapsed for federal agencies under the following categories during the government shutdown:

  • Agriculture and Rural Development
  • Commerce, Justice and Science
  • Financial Services and General Government
  • Homeland Security
  • Interior and Environment
  • State and Foreign Operations
  • Transportation, Housing and Urban Development

These federal services are available during the shutdown:

  • Social Security beneficiaries will continue receiving checks
  • Veterans will continue to receive disability benefits and Veteran Healthcare Facilities will remain open
  • Medicare and Medicaid providers will still be paid
  • Active Duty military will continue serving
  • The U.S. Postal Service will keep delivering mail
  • Air traffic controllers, Customs and Border Patrol officers, and TSA officers will remain on the job, though some travel delays are possible

These federal services may be reduced or delayed during the shutdown:

  • SNAP assistance could lapse beginning in March
  • Some subsidized housing programs could be affected
  • Reduced IRS customer service operations could delay tax refunds or income verifications
  • National parks and federal lands may be closed or offering reduced services
  • FHA applications for home loans could be delayed
  • FDA’s routine food safety inspections and lab research will be suspended
  • SBA will halt new federal loan guarantees to small businesses
  • Permits and reviews of transportation projects could be delayed
  • Federal grants and contracts could be impacted on a case-by-case basis

Resources for affected federal employees:

The California Employment Development Department has complied information for federal workers impacted by the government shutdown on potential eligibility for unemployment assistance. Click here to learn more. Workers are encouraged to apply for unemployment assistance as soon as possible.