Government Shutdown Resources
As you may know, a government shutdown began at 12:01 AM on Wednesday, October 1 after funding authorization for the federal government expired. Last month, I voted to avoid this situation and extend past levels of government funding through November 21 with a clean 7-week Continuing Resolution (CR). Unfortunately, since the legislation needs 60 votes in the Senate and Republicans only hold 53 seats in the Upper Chamber, Democrats have been successful in killing the House-passed legislation, demanding that $1.5 TRILLION worth of liberal policies be inserted into the bill. Please know that I am working for a solution that cuts wasteful spending, keeps our country safe, and promotes the best interests of hardworking men and women of Texas. However, I understand this shutdown could be a challenge for families across Texas’ Third District. I am passing along the information below to address some of the most common topics about what the shutdown means for you and your family. Will my offices remain open? My team and I will be working throughout this shutdown. This year, we have responded to countless messages, emails, and phone calls, and we will continue to respond during the shutdown. We have also helped CD3 residents reclaim millions of dollars owed to them by federal agencies including the VA, Social Security, and the IRS. Unfortunately, our ability to help constituents with situations like this will be affected by the shutdown as many departments and agencies will not be processing casework during the shutdown. However, that work will resume once federal funding is resolved. If you are experiencing an issue with a federal agency, please call my office 972-202-4150 or fill out this form, and we will work with you on the paperwork that must be completed so we can file your case as soon as we are able. Unfortunately, my team will not be able to process flag orders and arrange tours of the United States Capitol or other landmarks for constituents visiting Washington, D.C. during this time. If you are traveling to D.C. during this time, my office will be open to visitors. We will resume booking tours and processing flag orders as soon as funding is resolved. Despite the shutdown, essential services continue, including border protection, law enforcement, air traffic control, in-hospital medical care, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans’ health programs. What kinds of services will continue? While the programs listed below will continue, the agencies responsible for administering them may see reduced workforces impacting operations. This is not a comprehensive list as we are continuing to gather information.
Resources for Federal Employees 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 departments .gov site (e.g., www.dhs.gov, www.va.gov) and check their HR or shutdown resource pages. Again, my team and I will continue to work throughout this government shutdown for our constituents in the Third District and hope to bring it to a swift end. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. |