Information to Help you Navigate a Trump Trifecta Government Shutdown
Federal government funding will lapse on September 30th. As I work to help keep the government open and maintain critical services, I hope this information will help you better understand how a Trump Trifecta government shutdown could impact you and your family. This page will be updated regularly as needed.
Why is a shutdown happening?
Despite controlling the House, Senate, and White House, the Congressional majority has failed to pass any of the 12 Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill needed to fund federal government operations after September 30, 2025. In fact, the full House has not even considered or voted on a majority of those bills.
If I sought help with a federal agency through Rep. Moore’s office, would my casework be impacted?
My staff in Washington, D.C and Milwaukee will continue working during a government shutdown. Keep in mind though, that many federal agencies will likely be affected with furloughs and suspended services, which will likely delay resolving your casework issue.
Can I still receive tours through Rep. Gwen Moore’s office?
In the event of a government shutdown, all tours that were previously scheduled through our office will be canceled. Unfortunately, our office will be unable to schedule any future tours until the government reopens.
Will a government shutdown affect when I receive my Social Security?
No. Social Security beneficiaries, including those who receive disability insurance, will continue to receive their benefits uninterrupted. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will continue scheduling hearings, hearing/deciding cases, and hearing/deciding appeals. However, certain Social Security Administration’s (SSA) employees will be furloughed, meaning that customer service will be impacted.
Will there be impacts to Medicare or Medicaid?
Medicare and Medicaid will be largely unaffected by a shutdown lasting less than three months. Current beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits.
However, many federal workers at the agencies that oversee Medicare and Medicaid would be furloughed. This could lead to longer wait times to speak with a representative during a shutdown.
Will my VA benefits be affected?
Veterans will continue to receive their benefits, including pensions, health care, compensation, education and housing support. The Board would be able to process appeals but the VA will be unable to conduct outreach to vets. All public-facing regional offices would be closed, and resources including career counseling, transition assistance, and cemetery grounds maintenance would be paused.
Would a government shutdown impact my WIC benefits?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will quickly run out of funds, which will deprive children and families of the food and nutrition services they need. Please check with your state or local WIC provider.
Will my Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits be cut?
States will be able to issue October benefits. However, SNAP (aka FoodShare in Wisconsin) benefits will be impacted during a prolonged government shutdown.
What happens to immigration cases during government shutdown?
Application interviews, naturalization ceremonies, biometrics processing, and similar parts of the legal immigration system should continue during a government shutdown.
Will I still have access to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), including cash assistance?
Since TANF is funded by the government but distributed by state agencies, this will depend on your state policy. During a government shutdown, it is likely that the federal government will need to halt its quarterly TANF payments to states, but state governments will have the option to continue providing benefits and services without interruption.
In prior years, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) continued to operate despite the federal government shutdown.
Will the U.S. Postal Service continue delivering mail?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is funded through profits from their services and products – not taxpayer funds. Therefore, the Post Service will continue their operations through a government shutdown.
How would a government shutdown impact student loan programs and repayments?
Key activities at Federal Student Aid will continue for a few weeks, but a prolonged shutdown could disrupt the agency’s ability to assist borrowers.
A shutdown could also delay the process for students applying to the FAFSA and seeking financial aid.
Can I visit national parks during a government shutdown?
In the event of a government shutdown, National Park Service (NPS) sites will be closed, which includes most national parks.
Can I visit a Smithsonian Museum during a government shutdown?
The Smithsonian Institute will use existing funds to remain open as long as funding allows. According to the Smithsonian, it currently has sufficient funds to operate as normal through Monday, October 6, 2025.
Will the Small Business Administration (SBA) impact loan approvals and reviews during a government shutdown?
The Small Business Administration will not approve or review any new business loans during a government shutdown.
Will military service members be impacted?
During a government shutdown, military service members are expected and required to work. Service members will receive retroactive pay once the government reopens.
What happens to government employees during a government shutdown?
Government employees will either be furloughed and not come into work or deemed “essential” and continue working without pay. Their designation depends on their duties and responsibilities. Due to a 2019 law, both furloughed and “essential” workers will receive backpay once the shutdown is over.
What about federal contractors?
Unfortunately, no current provision of federal law allows for back pay after a shutdown for federal contractors who support the work of federal agencies and activities. I am a cosponsor of legislation that would attempt to fix that inequity.
What about the Trump Administration’s threat to use the shutdown as an excuse to do RIF’s?
When shutdowns have occurred in the past, federal employees have been assigned into two categories: “excepted” employees, who continue working during the shutdown but are not paid until appropriations resume; and “non-excepted” employees who are furloughed during a shutdown and receive back pay after a shutdown ends. In breaking with that tradition, recently the Trump Administration’s Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) issued a memorandum taking the unjustifiable position that a temporary interruption of appropriations eliminates the statutory requirement for all unfunded government programs and directing federal agencies to consider reductions in force (“RIFs”) for any programs for which the funding has lapsed and that are not priorities of the President.
A lawsuit has been filed to challenge this latest attack on federal employees which my colleagues and I believe to be unlawful.
Will passport services be affected?
Consular operations domestic and overseas will continue as long as the funds are sufficient, including passports, visas, and assisting U.S. citizens abroad, but you can expect delays in services.
