Please note: This page is a living document; it is frequently updated so please check in for additional information. The Trump administration has not been fully transparent with shutdown plans and Trump himself has made threats to manipulate a shutdown for political gain, to change agency operations significantly, and to use civil servants as pawns by firing them en masse, as he has been doing all year.
Funding for the federal government expired at midnight on October 1, 2025, and the government is now shut down. I am working to reopen critical services and fight for families in our community, while lowering health care costs.
I am deeply disappointed in the partisan process that got us to this point. Democrats stood ready to work across the aisle to make sure that healthcare costs didn’t skyrocket for Americans, a priority I know matters deeply to you in NJ-10 and Americans across this country. Sadly, Republicans are continuing to push a partisan spending bill that takes health care away from working families.
To help during this Republican federal government shutdown, my office has prepared answers to these frequently asked questions. You can also contact my office in Newark at (973) 645-3213 or in D.C. at (202) 225-3436.
My team is still here, working and ready to serve you, and my offices remain open in spite of this Republican shutdown. If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to my office online via this webform or by phone to my Newark office at (973) 645-3213 and my D.C. office at (202) 225-3436.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):
What happens during a government shutdown?
The government shuts down when Congress fails to pass legislation known as “appropriations” bills, which fund federal agencies and federal programs. Appropriations bills typically fund the government through the end of the fiscal year, which ended on September 30, 2025. If a new appropriations bill has not been signed into law by that expiration date, Congress must pass a short-term stopgap measure known as a “continuing resolution” (CR) to fund the government. Without a new appropriations bill or a CR, the government shuts down. In this circumstance, Republicans have refused to come to the table to work with Democrats on a solution.
How long will the government shutdown last?
Historically, the longest shutdown on record is the Trump administration shutdown that began in December of 2018 and lasted 35 days. Though we do not know how long this shutdown will last, my offices will remain open to serve you.
What happens if I’m a federal worker during a shutdown?
Federal employees who work at an agency that has been shut down are either furloughed—that is, prohibited from reporting to work and are not paid—or must work without pay if they are considered essential to fulfilling ongoing government functions, like those required to maintain public safety. Historically, Congress has passed legislation to pay both categories of employees retroactively once the government reopens. Healthcare coverage continues during the shutdown.
Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?
Yes. Recipients will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will continue providing limited services like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications. However, SSA will stop some activities like benefit verifications and processing overpayments and the public will likely experience increased wait times for customer service.
Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?
Medicare, Medicaid and disability insurance will be largely unaffected by a shutdown lasting less than three months. Current beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits.
What is the impact on veterans' services?
Veterans will still be able to access care. All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain fully operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits.
Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended?
No. Military and federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed.
Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown?
When the government shuts down, federal agencies are required to classify their employees whose salaries have lapsed as either "excepted" or "not excepted." The employees classified as "excepted" work without pay during the shutdown. The employees classified as "not excepted" are put on unpaid furlough. Under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, all federal employees are retroactively paid for the duration of the shutdown upon its conclusion. Donald Trump has threatened to needlessly fire thousands of federal workers during a shutdown, as he has been trying to do all year.
What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?
All active duty and Guard and Reservists on active duty orders are excepted and therefore are required to work. On-base non-acute health care may cease, but off-base care provided through Tricare is not affected. On-base child care is open on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement is also required to work. Both military personnel and federal law enforcement will not be paid until after the shutdown is over.
Will my mail still arrive?
Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.
Will commercial air travel be affected?
Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents will remain on the job. However, like all federal employees, they will not be paid until the shutdown is over.
What is the impact on small businesses?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) will stop processing new business loans, such as those through the 7(a) and 504 programs. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations.
What is the impact on federal housing loans?
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will stop insuring some new mortgages and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will stop processing some new loans. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) will also stop new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans.
What is the impact on disaster relief efforts?
FEMA staff will still respond to emergencies. In prior shutdowns, long-term projects were delayed due to a lack of funding in the Disaster Relief Fund.
What is the impact on food safety activities?
Some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety activities—such as routine inspections of facilities—will be delayed.