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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: How a Government Shutdown Impacts Central Washington

As we barrel towards a government shutdown due to Senate Democrats’ refusal to pass a clean continuing resolution (CR), essential programs and services here in Central Washington are now at risk. Congress has the responsibility under our Constitution to fund the federal government, and allowing a shutdown is a disservice to the American people.

If the government shuts down, farmers and ranchers in the Methow and Yakima Valleys will lose access to Farm Service Agency employees due to furlough. Farm operating loans, conservation and crop disaster programs will be impacted and paused for the duration of a shutdown. Additionally, funding for agriculture research grants through the Agriculture Research Service, which WSU Prosser relies on, could be paused indefinity.

For small businesses in the Tri-Cities, a government shutdown would mean a stop on new small business loans and investments. Access to Small Businesses Administration financing would be put on hold, and any businesses undergoing expansion would be impacted. Congress passed historic pro-small business laws in the Working Families Tax Cuts that are set to take effect this year, and a government shutdown would impede small business’ ability to take advantage of those policies. 

Veterans in Central Washington, including those seeking counseling or treatment, can expect to see their regional offices closed during a shutdown. Even call center hotlines will not be staffed, which could have dire consequences for veterans struggling with mental health issues from their time in the service. With veterans’ resources already straining in our region, veterans would lose access to the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and career counseling, resulting in a backlog of requests for when the shutdown ends.

Visitors of public lands, including the Gifford-Pinchot and Okanogan National Forests and the North Cascades National Park, will also feel the impact of a shutdown with management and maintenance suspended, and even potential full closures of parks. While the Bureau of Reclamation is expected to continue generating water and power, processing of special use permits and certain project management actions will be paused, negatively impacting irrigators within the Columbia River Basin.

The blame for a government shutdown will fall on Senate Democrats, who are threatening essential services for partisan demands that do not belong in government funding negotiations. The House of Representatives, with my support, passed a clean, short-term, bipartisan continuing resolution to keep the government open until November 21 so we can negotiate a funding agreement for fiscal year 2025. The Senate must do the same.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brian Babin (R-TX)

Babin Statement on Impending Government Shutdown: “Delivering Results, Not Political Theater”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Foster Youth Caucus reintroduced the National Kinship Care Month resolution to strengthen kinship care and promote permanency for foster youth.

Research shows that kinship care placements improve behavioral and mental health outcomes, counter adverse child and adult outcomes, and promote a sense of belonging and connection, including to siblings and grandparents. This bipartisan resolution recognizes and supports the more than 300,000 children in foster care and over two million kinship caregivers.

“Research shows that Kinship care for children helps with placement stability and improves the child’s well-being, behavioral, and mental health outcomes,” said Rep. Bacon. “If we start to change the way we view foster care children, we can limit their time in the system. This resolution reminds us that kinship placement is a significant first step to decrease the number of children in care; give them a way to stay connected to their families; and reduce some of the trauma during the removal process.”

“As Co-Chair of the Foster Youth Caucus, I know that foster children thrive best when cared for by relatives or trusted family friends in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “That’s why I’m proud to champion this legislative package to honor kinship care and support lasting, permanent homes for foster youth. By breaking down the barriers to kinship guardianship, we can help young people stay connected to their roots while giving them the strong foundation they need to grow, succeed, and build bright futures.”

“Supporting kinship care is a critical part of ensuring that all children can grow up in stable and loving homes,” said Rep. Scanlon. “But families are often overwhelmed by the barriers they face to get the resources they need to care for younger relatives when their parents are unavailable. I saw this firsthand while working for decades as a child advocate, representing families struggling to overcome legal, financial, and emotional challenges while providing kinship care. I am proud to join my fellow Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth in recognizing September 2025 as National Kinship Care Month to celebrate the committed and nurturing family members who step up to care for children in their life.” 

“As a father of six who adopted two children through the foster system, I’ve seen firsthand the love and sacrifice it takes to give a child a forever home,” said Rep. Nunn. “Kinship Care Month recognizes the relatives, friends, and trusted neighbors who step up to ensure kids have the stability and sense of belonging they deserve.”

“Behind every child in kinship care is a family member who never planned for this role but took it on without hesitation,” said Rep. Houchin. “Families who step up for children in need often do so quietly and without the expectation of any support. National Kinship Care Month is one small way to recognize the invaluable role they play.”

The National Kinship Care Month resolution is co-led by Reps. Gwen Moore, Mary Gay Scanlon, Don Bacon, Erin Houchin, and Zach Nunn.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

Unless Congress acts to appropriate funds by September 30th, there will be a shutdown of those federal programs and agencies that are deemed “non-essential”. Below are the practical effects on how a government shutdown could affect you.

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Federal Government Shutdown: Frequently Asked Questions

Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?  Recipients will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will provide limited services like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications. However, SSA will stop services like benefit verifications and processing overpayments. Customer service wait times will dramatically increase. If you have a crisis due to the shutdown, call our office at (818) 501-9200 and we may be able to help.

Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected? Current Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits assuming a shutdown lasts less than three months. Half of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) staff are usually furloughed during a shutdown. A prolonged shutdown would deplete funding for Medicare Administrative Contractors, causing significant delays in payments to health care providers.

What happens to veterans’ services? All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits. However, veterans will be affected by the shutdown of other services that they count on, including education and job training, support for veteran-owned businesses, and even assistance for homeless veterans.

Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown? When the government shuts down, federal agencies are required to classify their employees whose salaries have lapsed as either “excepted” or “not excepted.” The employees classified as “excepted” work without pay during the shutdown. The employees classified as “not excepted” are put on unpaid furlough.

Do furloughed federal employees get backpay? The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, signed into law in 2019, guarantees that furloughed government employees receive backpay once a shutdown ends. However, federal contractors impacted are not guaranteed backpay.

What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement? All active-duty and Guard and Reservists on active-duty orders are excepted and therefore are required to work without pay. On-base non-acute health care will cease, although off-base care provided through Tricare will not be affected. On-base child care will be open on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement will also be required to work without pay for the duration of a shutdown.

Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended? Military and federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed.

Will air travel be affected? Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents will remain on the job 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.

What does this mean for disaster relief efforts? Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff will still respond to emergencies, but all long-term projects will be delayed due to a lack of funding in the Disaster Relief Fund.

How will this affect environmental protection and cleanup? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will stop inspecting most hazardous waste sites, as well as drinking water and chemical facilities. Efforts to address dangerous contaminants like PFAS — which are linked to severe health effects, including cancer — will be delayed, and cleanup activities at Superfund sites will slow or cease.

What is the impact on food assistance? The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will quickly run out of funding and be unable to provide food for children and parents in need. In the case of a prolonged shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may also be affected.

What is the impact on food safety activities? Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety activities — such as routine inspections of facilities — will be delayed across the country.

What is the impact on housing? The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will stop insuring some new mortgages and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will stop processing some new loans. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) will stop new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans. Funding for federal housing assistance programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, may be jeopardized in a prolonged shutdown.

How will this affect small businesses? The Small Business Administration (SBA) will stop processing new business loans, such as through the 7(a) and 504 programs. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations.

Will my mail still arrive? Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.

What does this mean for medical research? The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be forced to delay new clinical trials. New patients who are waiting for a chance at new treatment through a clinical trial will be turned away.

Will I still be able to visit National Parks and monuments? Across the country, services that require National Park Service staff — including trash removal and operating campgrounds and concessions — may be stopped. Closures will be determined on a location-by-location basis; open-air parks and monuments in Washington, D.C. will likely remain accessible. Smithsonian museums may also be impacted by a lengthy shutdown.

How does this affect passports and help for Americans overseas? Consular services, passport services, and visa services are expected to continue in the immediate aftermath of a government shutdown. In a prolonged shutdown, passport and visa issuance could be slowed. Access to passport agencies located in some government buildings may be limited.

What is the impact on state and local services? The federal government shutdown will not immediately affect any state or local services. However, with federal funding cut off, some state or local governments may have to change their operations. Check with state and local agencies for specific questions.

What is the impact on the U.S. economy?  Shutdowns are detrimental to both the public, who face service and program disruptions, and federal employees, who are either furloughed or required to work without pay. Moreover, they pose a significant strain on government resources.  The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and federal agencies need to develop and implement shutdown plans, a process that requires substantial staff time and resources, potentially detracting from public services. Shutdowns also cause revenue losses, such as those from visitor fees or gift store sales when national parks close. Additionally, shutdowns negatively impact the economy.  The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the 2018-2019 shutdown cost the U.S. economy $11 billion, mainly due to federal workers reducing their spending in response to lost pay. Notably, this decrease in spending may not rebound even after workers receive their back pay.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement regarding President Trump and Secretary Hegseth’s partisan speeches to the top U.S. military commanders:

“In yet another display of incompetence, President Trump and Secretary Hegseth made hundreds of our senior-most military commanders fly to D.C. from around the world to listen to a partisan campaign speech. These commanders are responsible for leading combat troops, aircraft carriers, and nuclear bombers in places like Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. But instead of protecting our national security, our military commanders were all brought together in a single location for President Trump and Secretary Hegseth’s vanity rally. Serving in the military is a serious business for serious people. Today’s campaign rally is just the latest example of how Secretary Hegseth is incapable of doing his job and has to resort to theatrics to distract from his failures. Instead of focusing on improving our readiness or deterrence against our adversaries, President Trump and Secretary Hegseth clearly only care about further infecting our military with partisan, culture war ideologies that will ultimately make us less safe. 

“Eliminating the current highly rigorous standards for women in combat positions has nothing to do with increasing lethality and everything to do with forcing women out of the Armed Forces. Secretary Hegseth has said he does not believe women should serve in combat. Now he is trying to make that happen by escalating his war on women in the military, despite presenting no evidence that women cannot ably serve in combat positions. 

“Politics has no place in our military, and our military has no place for partisan hacks. Today’s speeches wasted millions in taxpayer dollars to put together and did nothing to strengthen our military — demonstrating Hegseth is completely unfit to be Secretary of Defense.”

  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — House Republicans have passed a clean, nonpartisan continuing resolution to responsibly keep the government open through November 21, giving appropriators time to complete the full-year appropriations process through regular order. President Trump and Republicans in Congress stand united in support of this straightforward, responsible solution.

Democrats Demanded Schumer Step Down Following March CR Vote

• Ezra Levin, Co-Executive Director of Indivisible: “Schumer did the opposite. He led the charge to wave the white flag of surrender… Accordingly, Indivisible is calling for Chuck Schumer to step down from Senate Democratic leadership.”
• Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas): “I think Senate Democrats have to sit down and take a look and decide whether or not Chuck Schumer is the one to lead in this moment… So I definitely think that younger, fresher leadership may be something that many of us, not just depending on what part of the spectrum you’re on, but many Americans may be looking for, especially in the state of New York.”
• Rep. Alxandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.): “… and so to me, it is almost unthinkable why Senate Democrats would vote to hand the few pieces of leverage that we have away for free.”
• Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.): “I respect Chuck Schumer. I think he had a great, long-standing career. But I’m afraid that it may be time for the Senate Democrats to get a new leader.”

Meanwhile, Democrats are Admitting — On and Off the Record — Their Shutdown Strategy is About Politics

Democrats are openly conceding that the shutdown fight isn’t about doing what’s best for the country. It’s about proving to their base they will “fight Trump” — even if it means closing the government and jeopardizing the critical services millions of American families rely on.

• “I think people understand there would be hell to pay if we don’t put up a fight, but I also think this is a place where most members and the base authentically align,” (Axios, 09/26/25)
• “Obviously the base of the party wants to see that we’re not going along,” (Axios, 09/26/25)
• “I think it’s pretty safe to say that if Schumer folded and got nothing in return before [Oct. 1], he might as well just go to the UPS store and grab a U-Haul and clean out his office.” (Axios, 09/26/25)
• Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-Virg.): “The base would be incensed if [Democrats] were seen as capitulating again.” (Axios, 09/26/25)
• “Democratic Senators increasingly see shutting down the government to send a message to President Trump as a political necessity,” (The Hill, 09/17/25)

Democrats Taking Their Cues from Outside Groups

Instead of voting for a continuing resolution to keep the government open and operating – as they did 13 times under President Biden – Democrats are working hand-in-hand with left-wing groups demanding confrontation at the expense of the American people.

• Indivisible, a left-wing activist group that received millions of dollars from the Soros family’s organization, is spearheading a pressure campaign to push Democratic senators to force a partial shutdown. (Daily Caller, 09/26/25)
• Andrew O’Neill, Indivisible’s National Advocacy Director: “Trading away leverage in exchange for a pinky promise isn’t a real strategy… Democrats should know better than to negotiate against themselves like this, and scrap this idea immediately.”
• One senior leader from a top grassroots organization told us they have been leveraging the upcoming nationwide ‘No Kings’ protest next month in conversations with Democrats. “You can either be a part of this movement or be irrelevant to it,’ the source said.” (Axios, 09/26/25)
• “Backing down and helping fund the government, like Democrats did in March, is unacceptable, the groups have told their team.” (Axios, 09/26/25)

Democrats Have Been Planning a Shutdown for Months

This is not a last-minute standoff. Democrats have been preparing to weaponize a shutdown since March when Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer responsibly helped avert a government shutdown, a move criticized by many on the left.

• Politico reported that as early as July, Democrats were “wrestling with shutdown strategy” and openly discussing how to use the September 30 deadline to score political points. (Politico, 07/21/25)

The Bottom Line

Polling shows over 60% of Americans have an unfavorable view of the Democrat Party — the lowest in 35 years. Their playbook has failed time and again.

Republicans are united on our clean, nonpartisan plan to keep the government open. Democrats are barreling toward a shutdown, not because it helps the American people, but because it helps their politics.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Rep. Don Beyer today announced that Nancy Eslick, who most recently served as Senior Deputy Assistant to the Administrator of the Resilience, Environment & Food Security (REFS) Bureau at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will receive the Clara Mortenson Beyer Women and Children First Award at his Ninth Annual Women’s Conference: The Ripple Effects of Resilience on Monday, October 6.

Since joining USAID in 2001, Nancy Eslick dedicated her career to serving vulnerable communities across the globe. She held key leadership roles including Mission Director in Bosnia & Herzegovina and Cambodia, Global Water Coordinator, and most recently, Senior Deputy Assistant to the Administrator in the Resilience, Environment, and Food Security (REFS) Bureau. In February of this year, Nancy Eslick was one of thousands of USAID employees who lost their job during Donald Trump’s illegal attacks on the agency.

“Nancy’s more than two decades of leadership at USAID serves as a reminder of the profound difference American leadership can make in the world. The loss of her expertise and dedication along with that of so many of her colleagues from the federal civil service will do lasting damage to people in this country and around the world. It means fewer children with safe drinking water, fewer women with access to resources that allow them to thrive, and fewer communities with the tools needed to weather conflict, economic instability, and climate disasters,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “Honoring Nancy is not only a celebration of her extraordinary service, but an urgent reminder to continue defending USAID’s mission. We owe it to Nancy, her former colleagues, and the communities they served to ensure that this mission endures.”  

Rep. Beyer’s Ninth Annual Women’s Conference: The Ripple Effects of Resilience will be held on Monday, October 6 at George Mason University’s new Fuse building in Arlington. The program will feature a discussion with Brooke Sydnor Curran, founder of Move2Learn; Lisa Jacobs, Executive Director of the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium; Elizabeth Jones Valderrama, Executive Director of Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR); and Ana Dionne-Lanier, Attorney at the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights. The discussion will be moderated by Nyree Wright, Executive Vice President of Crisis & Risk Communications at Edelman. The event is free to the public but capacity is limited, so attendees are encouraged to register online here.

Please note that in the event of a government shutdown, this event may be rescheduled.  

Rep. Beyer created the Clara Mortenson Beyer Women and Children First Award while Ambassador to Switzerland in 2011.  It is named after his grandmother, who is credited with convincing the Roosevelt Administration to appoint Frances Perkins, the first female Cabinet Secretary in the United States. Clara Beyer served as Secretary Perkins’ right hand, working on child labor issues. She was the first woman appointed as U.S. Representative to the International Labor Organization in Geneva. 

The award is given annually to recognize exceptional work to empower women. Previous awardees include Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Tanya J. Bradsher, Dr. Tahera Ahmadi, journalist Marie Ridder, gun violence prevention advocate Naomi Wadler, rock climber Sasha DiGiulian, diplomat Betty King, PeaceWomen founder Ruth Gaby Vermot, journalist Lisa Feldmann, Arlington community activist Portia Clark, and immigration advocate Ofelia Calderón.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) and Senator Angela Alsobrooks (MD-D) introduced the Help Federal Employees During Shutdowns (Help FEDS) Act. The bill ensures federal employees who are required to work during a government shutdown are eligible to apply for unemployment insurance (UI).

“Government funding runs out in less than 32 hours, and over half of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. If Congress can’t avert a shutdown, that doesn’t mean our constituents should have to suffer. The Help Federal Workers During Shutdowns Act is a small but meaningful fix to allow essential federal workers to be eligible for unemployment insurance during shutdowns,” said Congresswoman Elfreth (MD-03). “If we are asking these essential employees to go without pay and to keep providing their lifesaving services to the American people, the least we can do is provide them with some temporary financial support during these uncertain times.”

When there is a government shutdown, federal employees who are deemed “excepted” or “essential” are required to work without pay. The President and OMB Director have wide discretion over how many federal employees may be deemed essential. During the last government shutdown, when the Trump Administration was in charge, 420,000 federal employees were deemed essential, meaning that 420,000 were forced to work without pay. 

The Help FEDS (Federal Employees During a Shutdown) Act ensures federal employees who are required to work during a government shutdown are eligible to apply for unemployment insurance (UI). Essential employees will receive back pay thanks to legislation that Congress passed after the 2018/2019 shutdown. Under this bill, employees would have to pay back the UI when they receive back pay, and states will be reimbursed for the additional UI they would have to pay out. Furloughed employees during a shutdown are already eligible for UI. Elfreth’s legislation closes a loophole and puts excepted employees in parity with furloughed employees.

“Government shutdowns are deeply harmful to our country and to the civil servants who provide essential services the American people rely on. While our ultimate goal must be to prevent shutdowns entirely, Congress has a responsibility to shield public servants from the worst impacts when funding does lapse. Furloughed employees are already eligible for unemployment insurance, yet federal employees who are deemed essential and must still report to work face the same uncertainty of delayed paychecks – but with no safety net. Our legislation would extend unemployment insurance to these essential workers, ensuring they can continue paying their bills while serving the American people,” said Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08).

“The Trump Administration has waged a crusade against our federal workers since January, and Russell Vought is taking advantage of the looming shutdown in order to further villainize and traumatize the federal workforce,” said Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05). “I have seen how government shutdowns put intense strains on our federal workers, which is why I am proud to co-sponsor a bill with my friend, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth, to ensure essential federal civilian employees have the resources they need to stay afloat in the event of a shutdown.”

Senator Alsobrooks introduced accompanying legislation in the Senate alongside Senator Chris Van Hollen (MD-D).

“President Trump, Elon Musk, and Russ Vought have shown us very clearly over the last 9 months that they do not care about our civil servants – the patriotic men and women that work on behalf of the American people under Democratic and Republican presidents alike. I will fight with all that I have to ensure our civil servants continue to be paid even if Republicans shut down the government because of their own incompetence,” said Senator Angela Alsobrooks (MD-D).

“Our patriotic, merit-based civil servants work on behalf of the American people every day, delivering essential public services for our country. They should not have to bear the brunt of a political dispute they have nothing to do with, which is why we are fighting to provide them with an economic lifeline should Republicans force a government shutdown,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen (MD-D).

“Federal employees, through no fault of their own, are caught in the middle of a political dispute that could force them to go to work without knowing when they will be paid.  The Help FEDS Act would provide these nonpartisan civil servants with vital resources to help keep gas in their cars, provide food and necessary medicines for their family and give them peace of mind as they navigate a period of immense financial uncertainty while delivering essential services Americans depend on. I applaud Senator Alsobrooks and Rep. Elfreth for their efforts to help ease the burden placed on these dedicated public servants and for their leadership on this issue,” said Doreen Greenwald, NTEU National President.

The full bill text is available HERE. In the House, the legislation is co-sponsored by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Don Beyer (VA-08), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Danny Davis (IL-07), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Eleanor Norton (DC-AL), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Emily Randall (WA-06), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), and George Whitesides (CA-27). 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

Griffith Announces $47,000 Pipeline Emergency Response Grant to Franklin County

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

Congressman Guthrie Calls on Senate Democrats to Vote to Keep Government Open