Donalds releases impact statement regarding government shutdown
A government shutdown took effect at midnight after funding authorization expired for the federal government.
The House passed the bipartisan legislation necessary to ensure that the federal government remained open, operational,and fully-funded 12 days ago. Currently, the legislation remains in a deadlocked Senate.
Congressman Byron Donalds, R-FL, released the following statement in the wake of the deadlock:
My team and I will be hard at work throughout this shutdown. This year, we have responded to tens of thousands of messages, emails, and phone calls, and this core facet of our operation will remain unchanged. We have also helped Southwest Florida residents reclaim hundreds of thousands of dollars owed to them by federal agencies. During this shutdown, we will proceed undeterred and steadfast in our commitment to best serve the people of Southwest Florida.
My Office
At this time, our ability to assist Southwest Florida residents with constituent casework may be limited due to the operational capacities of federal agencies during the shutdown. However, full capacity operations will resume once federal funding is resolved. If you are experiencing an issue with a federal agency, please call my Collier County office at (239) 252-6225, my Lee County office at (239) 599-6033, or fill out this form, https://donalds.house.gov/services/casework/
Additionally, we will not be able to process flag orders and arrange tours of the United States Capitol, the White House, federal agencies, or other landmarks for constituents visiting Washington, D.C. at this time. If you are traveling to our nation’s capital my office will be open to visitors.
Federal Services
Airport Security: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continues unaffected. Travelers may face longer wait times going through airport security.
Air Traffic Control: Operations are deemed essential and will go unaffected.
Farm Service Agency: The agency will continue to service farm loans during this time, and it will also provide emergency loans, although this service may be slower than usual.
FEMA: Emergency response functions will remain fully-operational. Emergency response funding is allocated through the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), which is unaffected by a government shutdown. Much of agency staff is considered essential and is available during emergencies.
Medicare and Medicaid: Operations are deemed essential and will go unaffected. Benefits will not be impacted during a government shutdown.
Passports: Standard processing currently takes 4-6 weeks. During a shutdown, delays may increase. To renew your passport or get a new passport, it is recommend that you begin the process as soon as possible. All consular services abroad will remain open.
Social Security: Payments will continue to be sent out to recipients. Processing delays are likely for disability claims and benefit verifications.
U.S. Postal Service: Operations are deemed essential and will go unaffected.
Veterans Affairs: All VA hospitals and clinics will remain open. Some benefits offices and counseling services will be closed. 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.