I voted to keep the government open and working for the American people. However, Democrats have forced a harmful government shutdown that started on October 1, 2025, at 12:01 AM ET. I remain committed to getting the government funded and fighting for the hardworking citizens of Texas-11.
As the federal government experiences a lapse in funding, I wanted to share critical resources to help those in Texas-11. Once the government is funded again, programs and operations will return to normal.
If you or your family is directly impacted by the shutdown, please reach out to my office with your concerns and questions. You can call my Washington, D.C. office at (202)-225-3605 or my six district offices. Please do not wait to reach out to us. My team stands ready to help constituents in Texas-11 during this difficult time.
Please find a list below of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) during a federal government shutdown:
Is your office remaining open during the government shutdown?
My offices will remain open to serve constituents across Texas-11 with federal agencies and casework. If you need assistance with the IRS, VA, or renewing a passport, please contact our office. Our six district offices and Washington, D.C. office will be open to serve you.
I already have a request for casework open with your office. Should I do anything else during the shutdown?
My office will continue to submit inquiries to federal agencies on behalf of constituents, submit paperwork, and open new cases. We will provide you with an update on your case as soon as there is information available.
What happens to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security?
Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare programs and services will continue during a federal government shutdown. In addition, Social Security benefits, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and benefits for retirement, disability and survivors, will continued to be issued.
Will SNAP and WIC recipients still receive benefits?
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will receive benefits for October, and as funds allow. Additionally, recipients of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will continue receiving benefits during a shutdown as funds allow.
I am a veteran. Will my services at the VA still continue?
Most VA services critical to veterans will continue during a government shutdown. All functions within the Veterans Health Administration will continue and veterans will continue to receive compensation and pension claims. Veterans will continue to receive their compensation, pension, and education benefits without interruption, and the VA will continue processing related claims, as well as insurance and loan guaranty programs. The National Cemetery Administration will continue conducting burials, scheduling services, and determining eligibility.
However, some services will be suspended, including:
- The GI Bill Hotline (888-442-4551)
- Veteran Readiness and Employment outreach and Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (Chapter 36)
- Transition Assistance Programs (TAP)
- Processing of new Presidential Memorial Certificates and pre-need burial applications
I'm waiting on EQIP or other conservation payments. Will I still receive them?
EQIP and other NRCS conservation payments may continue during the shutdown if your local office has leftover funds from prior years. Many offices do have these carryover funds available. However, if the shutdown lasts for an extended period, those funds could run out and payments would be delayed until the government reopens. Your payment isn't cancelled—just potentially delayed depending on available funds and the length of the shutdown.
Will my local FSA office remain open?
Yes, FSA offices will remain open with limited staff. However, most services will be suspended during the shutdown. FSA will not process new farm and commodity loans, disaster assistance payments, or annual program payments like ARC/PLC during a lapse in appropriations. Some critical activities to protect the government's security interest in loans will continue on a limited basis after 10 days.
What happens to disaster assistance and emergency programs?
All disaster assistance processing will stop during the shutdown. This includes emergency farm loans, disaster relief payments, and Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) assistance for things like wildfire or flood damage. USDA will continue responding to animal disease emergencies like New World Screwworm and avian flu, but routine programs will be suspended. Disaster programs will resume once funding is restored.
Will USDA still provide meat inspection and food safety services?
Yes, meat, poultry, and egg inspections will continue at processing facilities to protect public health. However, state cooperative meat inspection programs in 29 states may run out of federal funds during an extended shutdown.
Will my mail still be delivered during the government shutdown?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) will fully operate during a government shutdown because it does not depend on Congress for funding.
I am traveling soon. Should I cancel my travel plans?
Our office does not encourage you to cancel your arranged travel plans. Air traffic controllers will continue to work during a government shutdown without pay. TSA agents will also continue working without pay until the government is funded.
I am traveling internationally soon. Should I cancel my travel plans?
If you are traveling internationally, embassies and consultants will remain fully operational. Please seek guidance from the country you are visiting if you need assistance while traveling outside the United States.
I am planning to visit a National Park soon. Should I cancel my travel plans?
National Parks will remain open, but please exercise caution as some programs or buildings (such as visitor centers) may be closed. Please refer to the guidance from the National Park you intend to visit.
Will the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) be open during the government shutdown?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will remain open for the first five days of the government shutdown.
What happens to the Small Business Administration during a government shutdown?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) will not approve new loans for small businesses to buy equipment and upgrade buildings. Businesses will continue to receive disaster-related relief from the SBA.
What happens to the military during a government shutdown?
Over 2 million military personnel will remain at their posts during the government shutdown. They will not receive pay until the federal government re-opens. National Guard forces deployed to U.S. cities by President Trump will remain at their assignments.
What happens to federal law enforcement officers during a government shutdown?
Officers at the FBI, DEA, DHS, U.S. Border Patrol, Coast Guard, etc., will remain on the job during a government shutdown.
I was impacted by the July 4th, 2025, floods and applied for disaster relief through FEMA, will my application still be processed and will I still receive my disaster payment?
FEMA’s critical disaster relief operations (including PA and IA payments) are considered essential services and typically continue during a shutdown, as they are funded through existing appropriations or unobligated carryover balances, such as the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF). However, if the shutdown is prolonged and FEMA’s DRF becomes depleted, delays or limitations in new payments are possible.
What happens if there is a natural disaster?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will continue to function if a natural disaster impacts the country.
What happens to Head Start programs during a government shutdown?
The Department of Health and Human Services are unable to award federal grants to child-care centers during a government shutdown. Therefore, some Head Start programs may be impacted.
What happens to federal student loans during a government shutdown?
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.
I am a federal employee at the risk of being furloughed. What assistance is there for me?
Please refer to the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Guidance for Shutdown Furloughs here.
I am coming to Washington, D.C. soon. Will tours still be conducted?
Tours of the U.S. Capitol and the FBI building will be unavailable during a government shutdown. Please refer to the U.S. Smithsonian Institution website here for additional guidance when planning your trip.
