Government Shutdown Guidance

As your Congressman, I’m committed to keeping you informed about how a government shutdown may affect your daily life here in Eastern Washington. On this page, you’ll find answers to common questions and resources to help you and your family navigate this situation.

During a shutdown, both my Spokane district office and my Washington, D.C. office will remain open to assist you. You can reach us at:

  • Spokane District Office: (509) 353-2374
  • Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-2006

If you need help with constituent services such as passports, IRS, immigration, Social Security, Medicare, or casework with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), please don’t hesitate to call.

What is a government shutdown?

A shutdown occurs when Congress does not pass appropriations bills or a continuing resolution (CR) to fund federal agencies and programs by the fiscal year deadline, September 30. Without this funding, many agencies halt or reduce operations.

  • Non-essential federal workers may be furloughed (placed on temporary unpaid leave).
  • Essential services like national security, essential medical facilities, and law enforcement continue operating, though many employees do so without immediate pay.
  • Some agencies like the U.S. Postal Service continue unaffected, since they are not funded through annual appropriations.

You can review contingency plans for each agency on the White House OMB website: Agency Contingency Plans – OMB.

How can I get help during a shutdown?

My office will still be able to:

  • Submit inquiries to federal agencies on your behalf.
  • Help with casework, benefits, and paperwork delays, however, some agencies may not respond due to the shutdown.
  • Provide updates on when agencies re-open.

Additional resources:

  • Mental health support: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24/7).
  • Federal government updates: USAGov.

Services Affecting Eastern Washington Residents:

Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid

  • Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will continue to be paid.
  • Medicare and Medicaid services remain in place, including the Medicare open enrollment period (beginning October 15).

Veterans Services

Spokane is home to a large veteran population and the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center. During a shutdown:

  • Healthcare services continue, including the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1).
  • VA benefits such as disability claims, pensions, and educational programs continue to process, though some delays may occur.
  • VA regional offices may be closed for in-person visits.
    For updates: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Active-Duty Military

Fairchild Air Force Base will remain operational, but service members may experience pay delays if no appropriation is passed. 

Food Assistance and Families

  • SNAP (food stamps): Benefits will continue for a limited time, but long shutdowns risk disruptions.
  • WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): Benefits rely on funding. Delays or suspensions may occur. For local assistance, contact the Spokane Regional Health District WIC office at (509) 324-1620.
  • Head Start: Programs may be disrupted if grants cannot be renewed. Contact your local Head Start provider for updates.

Public Health, Agriculture, and Disaster Response

  • The Spokane Regional Health District and local hospitals will remain open.
  • The USDA will continue essential food safety operations and provide limited farm and crop support. For Eastern Washington’s agricultural community, certain farm loan processing and conservation programs may pause.
  • FEMA continues to respond to emergencies, though some long-term projects may be delayed.

Travel, Immigration, and Taxes

  • Air travel: TSA and air traffic controllers at Spokane International Airport will continue to work, though without pay. Travelers may experience delays.
  • Passports & Visa Services: Passport processing continues. Contact the Seattle Passport Agency for urgent cases.
  • IRS services: Filing, refunds, and phone support may be delayed.

Education, Small Business, Housing

  • Student Aid: FAFSA processing and student loan services may be delayed.
  • Small Business: The Small Business Administration Seattle District Office (serving Eastern Washington) may suspend loan approvals. Check SBA Seattle District Office for updates.
  • Housing: FHA-insured loan processing could be delayed. The Spokane Housing Authority may also experience interruptions.

State and Local Updates for Washington Residents

State and local agencies may feel ripple effects from missing federal funding. For statewide updates, check: Access Washington

Federal Employees and Contractors

For those furloughed or working without pay, useful resources include:

Eastern Washington’s large network of federal employees—particularly at Fairchild AFB, VA Spokane, and USDA regional offices—may be affected. All furloughed employees are guaranteed back pay under federal law.