Effective at 12:01am on October 1, due to lapsed appropriations funds, commonly called “Government Shutdown” many government services are not currently funded, resulting in a range of disruptions in essential services. I want to ensure you have the information you need regarding the government shutdown and how it might affect your everyday life. You can refer back to my website for updates, Nadler.House.Gov as well as credible news websites and websites for various Federal Agencies. Here’s what you need to know:
How did we get here?
Each year, Congress must pass legislation to fund government operations for the coming fiscal year. Republicans proposed a Continuing Resolution without input from Democrats, but Democrats have been unilaterally clear: we will not support funding legislation that will result in 15 million Americans losing healthcare coverage. That’s exactly what their Continuing Resolution would do. Republicans have forced their legislation through the House, and now, they are trying to strong arm Democrats in the Senate into letting those 15 million Americans lose their healthcare coverage. The Continuing Resolution did not get the necessary 60 votes to pass, so the government shutdown began at 12:01 am on October 1, 2025.
Office of Representative Jerrold Nadler, NY-12
My staff and I will remain available, and our offices open to assist you for as long as the shutdown lasts. Constituents of New York’s 12th Congressional District who need assistance can submit their request here, or reach one of our caseworkers in our District Office, 9-5pm, Mon-Fri. Please note, due to the shutdown and the furloughing of hundreds of thousands of Federal employees, responses to our casework requests may be severely delayed.If you have a comment or would like to share how this shutdown is impacting you, please send us a message or call the office.
District Office: 212-367-7350 Washington, D.C.: 202-225-5635
Below is some information, but please refer to mywebsitefor the most up to date information and a complete guide:
Federal Employees
Agencies will determine "essential personnel" on a case-by-case basis. Those classified as such will still be required to work without pay during the shutdown. The employees not classified as "essential personnel" are put on unpaid furlough and not allowed to work. Some federal agencies may temporarily close, potentially affecting state and local agencies receiving federal funds.
Passports
Consular services, passport services, and visa services are expected to continue in the immediate aftermath of a government shutdown. In the event of a prolonged shutdown, passport and visa issuance could be slowed. Access to passport agencies located in some government buildings may be limited.
Social Security and SSI
Social Security checks and Disability checks will be processed as usual.
US Postal Service
Post Offices will remain open, and mail delivery will continue.
Veterans
The VA Medical Centers will remain open and operating as usual. Some VA program services may not be available.
US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)
USCIS is fee-funded, so it remains open and continues to process applications. You should expect to attend interviews and appointments as scheduled.
SNAP
Current clients will continue to receive benefits uninterrupted through the end of October. SNAP offices will remain open and new applications will be accepted. EBT cards will continue to work normally. Clients need to continue to comply with all SNAP related guidance/requirements. Summer EBT benefits are not impacted.
WIC
If the shutdown persists, access could be jeopardized. States will not receive their next quarterly allocation of funds during the shutdown. During the shutdown, states will have to rely on up to $150 million in contingency funds from the USDA to continue offering services, along with a small amount of rollover funding from the previous fiscal year in some cases. This funding could run out in a few weeks.
Section 8 Vouchers and NYCHA:
Housing authorities will receive payments from HUD through November 2025. Additionally, housing authorities have access to reserves that they can use to continue running their voucher programs during a government shutdown. Voucher tenants should not experience any disruption because of the shutdown at this time.
Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare and Medicaid programs and services will continue uninterrupted, though staffing shortages could mean delays for some services.
Military Personnel and Law Enforcement
All active-duty and Guard and Reservists on active-duty orders are excepted and therefore are required to work without pay. Federal law enforcement will also be required to work without pay for the duration of a shutdown.
National Parks
The Department of Interior intends to keep some parks and open-air memorials open, but you should expect some attractions to be closed or operating at a limited capacity. We recommend you verify that status of an attraction by visiting their website or contacting their office.
Travel
Air travel should generally not be affected, but you may experience some longer times at TSA, or delays/cancellations due to staffing issues in the event of a prolonged shut down. However, all aviation security workers – air traffic controllers, animal and plant inspectors, aviation safety experts, Customs and Border Patrol officials, and Transportation Security Agency officers are working without pay. If some do not report to work, as has happened in prior shutdowns, there will be significant delays and longer wait times across the country.
Visiting Washington, D.C.
Many popular attractions may be affected. We encourage you to reach out to the office of the attraction you’re interested in visiting for more information. Capitol tours will not be offered.
Conclusion
Know that in these challenging times, your voices matter and my offices remain open and available to assist you best we can. I continue to work for the people of New York’s 12th and together, we can work toward a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of all New Yorkers, and all Americans.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to my offices via my website or phone, my dedicated staff will do the best they can to assist you.
