Friends,

A federal government shutdown began at midnight on Wednesday, October 1, after funding authorization for the federal government expired. Two weeks ago, the House passed a bipartisan bill to keep the government funded through November 21, while work continues on the full-year appropriations bills. Regrettably, Senate Democrats are insisting on the inclusion of a $1.5 trillion wish list of additional reckless spending instead of passing the House’s clean continuing resolution. This shutdown is entirely the result of those unreasonable demands.

Read on below for more information on some of the most common topics we are getting questions about related to the shutdown.

My team and I will be working throughout this period — and my offices in Washington, Topeka and Pittsburg will remain open! This year, we have responded to tens of thousands of messages, emails, and phone calls, and we will continue to be available to listen to your comments and concerns. We have also helped Kansans reclaim hundreds of thousands of dollars owed to them by federal agencies including the VA, Social Security, and the IRS.

Our ability to help with some of these situations may be affected, as many departments and agencies will not be processing casework during its duration. However, that work will resume once federal funding is resolved. If you are experiencing an issue with a federal agency, please call my office at (785) 205-5253 or fill out the form on our website, 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.

My team and I will not be able to process flag orders at this time, and tours of the United States Capitol will be limited. If you are traveling to D.C., my office will be open to visitors, so please stop by and say hello!

If you are a Social Security recipient, you will receive your Social Security payment. However, if you are waiting for benefit verifications or disability claims, you may experience a delay in having those processed.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services programs will continue to operate as normal during the shutdown.

All VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open. VA benefits, including compensation, pension education, and housing benefits will continue to be processed. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will also continue to operate normally. The VA Contact Center will remain open and can be reached at 1-800-MyVA411. The Veterans Crisis Center is also available 24/7 to help veterans who call 988.

Unfortunately, some VA services will be impacted by the shutdown. Regional benefits offices will be closed, along with the GI Bill hotline, and career counseling.

U.S. Postal Service will not be interrupted. All Post Offices remain open as usual.

The Transportation Security Administration will continue to operate. However, there may be longer wait times than usual. If you have a flight planned, consider arriving at the airport earlier to ensure you get through security in a timely manner.

Current processing time for routine passport applications is 4-6 weeks. The shutdown may lead to longer delays. If you plan to travel internationally and you need to renew your passport or get a new passport, it is recommend that you begin the process as soon as possible.

If you are currently abroad, U.S. consular services will still be provided.

Last week, prior to the shutdown, I was honored to participate in a roundtable with State Farm agents in Topeka. I appreciated the opportunity to hear from them about federal issues affecting the insurance industry and policyholders and to learn what they’re hearing in their communities.

I had the pleasure of giving constituents from Coffey County a Capitol tour on Thursday. The Capitol Visitors Center may be closed, but I am always happy to show Kansans around the nation’s Capitol!

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