Government Shutdown: Frequently Asked Questions

Updated October 1, 2025
This page will be updated as more information becomes available. 

Why is the government shut down?

Because Republican leadership in Congress refused to extend health care funding and pass a bipartisan budget, the federal government shut down at midnight on September 30, 2025.

This shutdown is unnecessary, reckless, and deeply harmful to Delaware families, seniors, veterans, and workers. While they play politics, Rep. McBride is working to reopen the government and protect the services people count on every day.

Our Delaware and Washington, D.C. offices remain open and ready to help. If you are affected by the shutdown, please reach out:

📞 Wilmington: (302) 830-2330

📞 Georgetown: (302) 752-9140

📞 Washington, DC: (202) 225-4165

🌐 Submit a casework request

Our team will continue assisting Delawareans with Social Security, VA, Medicare, passports, and other federal issues. While our office is operating at full capacity, federal agencies may not be. We expect dramatic delays to impact case resolution. 

Why does the government “shut down”?

When Congress fails to pass an appropriations bill or a short-term continuing resolution (CR), federal agencies lose legal authority to spend money. That is what happened at midnight on September 30, 2025, when the Republican majority in Congress let funding expire. 

What does this mean for Delaware?

• Delaware has about 6,800 federal workers. Nearly 1,400 are now furloughed without pay, and 5,400 “essential” workers — from TSA officers to prison guards — are working without pay until the shutdown ends.
• If the shutdown continues, federal unemployment claims from furloughed employees are expected to spike, as seen in past shutdowns.
• Veterans, small businesses, renters, and farmers will all feel the strain. From delayed housing subsidies to stalled SBA loans and disruption to disaster recovery programs, the impact reaches far beyond Washington.

Will I keep getting my Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid?

• Social Security: Benefits will continue, but new applications and verifications may be delayed.
• Medicare/Medicaid: Health coverage continues, but reaching agency staff or replacing cards may be slower due to furloughs.
• Veterans’ benefits: VA health services continue, but certain homelessness and support programs may be delayed.

Will the mail still come?

Yes. USPS operations continue without interruption.

What about my student loans or FAFSA?

Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans will continue as long as existing funds last. But if the shutdown drags on, schools may face shortages and students may experience delays.

Are service members and their families affected?

• Active-duty military continue reporting for duty but won’t receive pay until Congress passes a budget.
• Civilian defense employees face furloughs, impacting readiness and troop support.
• Coast Guard service members are especially at risk unless Congress passes dedicated protections.

Can I still travel or renew my passport?

• TSA and air traffic controllers are working but unpaid, so expect possible delays.
• Passports and visas may still be processed as long as fees cover costs, but delays are expected.

I am a federal employee. Will I be paid?

“Essential” employees must keep working without pay. “Non-essential” employees are furloughed. By law, all employees will receive back pay when the shutdown ends.

For more details, please visit the Office of Personnel Management’s website at the link here. 

What about SNAP, WIC, and food assistance?

• SNAP benefits should continue for October, but funding may dry up if the shutdown extends.
• WIC benefits are at immediate risk of running out.
  That’s why Rep. McBride is cosponsoring the Feed Our Families Act, which ensures SNAP stays funded during shutdowns.

How is Rep. McBride responding?

Sarah is fighting to reopen the government and cosponsoring legislation that would protect Delawareans in the meantime:

• Pay Federal Workers and Service Members Act: Provides unemployment insurance for federal employees and military personnel forced to work without pay.
• Pay Our Military Act: Guarantees pay for active-duty service members, reservists, and essential DoD/DHS civilian workers.
• Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act: Ensures Coast Guard personnel receive pay during shutdowns.
• Feed Our Families Act: Keeps SNAP funded for 90 days in a shutdown.
• Pay Workers What They’ve Earned Act: Compensates federal employees/contractors for costs like late fees and reimburses states that front federal program funds.
• Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act: Provides back pay for low-wage federal contract workers like cafeteria staff and janitors.
• Funding Small Businesses During Shutdowns Act: Keeps SBA programs running for 30 days.
• Help FEDS Act: Ensures federal employees forced to work can access unemployment insurance.
• Aviation Funding Stability Act: Protects FAA programs and personnel.

She is calling on Republicans to immediately allow votes on these bipartisan, commonsense bills.

Bottom line: This shutdown is avoidable. Delaware families, seniors, veterans, farmers, and workers should never be held hostage to extreme partisan demands. Rep. McBride will keep fighting to end the shutdown and ensure Delawareans get the respect and support they deserve.