It is deeply disappointing in so many ways that Congress and the President have not passed the legislation necessary to keep our federal government open and operating into the new fiscal year which started October 1st. This was completely avoidable, and it remains completely doable. While I continue to work with likeminded colleagues on Capitol Hill to fund and fully reopen government, I want to provide some basic information on what’s going on and how it may affect you.
First and foremost, my staff and I will remain on the job and my office will remain open throughout the shutdown to perform our legislative duties and help Hawai’i and my constituents. If you have any questions or are facing issues with federal services during a shutdown, please feel free to reach out to my office at (808) 650-6688 or contact me here. We will do all we can to help you and others navigate the shutdown.
This page provides detailed information about the government functions affected by the shutdown, the impact on federal employees and others, what I have been doing to avoid and end the shutdown and a list of frequently asked questions.
Government Operations During a Shutdown
A shutdown occurs when federal government functions are not funded. This usually occurs at the end of a federal fiscal year (September 30th), when by law Congress must have passed and the President must have signed the federal funding measures for the new year. If that doesn’t happen, and if a continuing resolution (CR) is not instead enacted for temporary funding while the regular process is completed, then there is no authorized funding and the shutdown commences.
In that event, federal government functions are classified as essential or non-essential. Essential functions continue and essential federal employees and contractors remain on the job, though without pay. Non-essential functions are suspended and non-essential federal employees are furloughed without pay. Many government contracts will be suspended, which will likely force private companies to furlough their employees as well.
Various government functions like national defense, transportation and border security are considered essential. Disaster relief services will largely continue. Services that are independently funded outside of the yearly appropriations cycle, such as Social Security, passports, the U.S. Postal Service operations and Medicare, continue. Functions that are not considered essential and will suspend include the Small Business Administration (for processing new, non-emergency loans), our national parks and the National Institutes of Health.
For more information on the operations of these and other government services, please see the frequently asked question section at the bottom of this page. You can also read two comprehensive reports explaining federal shutdowns written by the Congressional Research Service here and here.
Effects of a Shutdown on Hawaii’s Federal Workers
There are approximately 24,000 federal civilians working in our Hawai‘i, with roughly 19,000 of them working for the military. There are also around 47,000 service members in Hawai‘i, which grows to much more as families are included. There are also thousands of contractors and grant recipients in Hawai‘i whose economic livelihoods are tied to our federal government.
Federal employees whose responsibilities include essential services must work without pay until the shutdown ends, while non-essential federal employees will be furloughed without pay. Because of the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, which I helped pass into law in 2019, furloughed and essential federal employees are guaranteed to receive backpay once the shutdown ends.
Federal agencies have crafted shutdown plans that offer some guidance to employees, contractors and grant recipients. You can review these plans on the respective agency websites or the Office of Management and Budget’s shutdown webpage here. If you cannot find the information you need, please contact me.
President Trump has also stated that in the event of a shutdown he will initiate reductions-in-force (RIFs, or terminations of employment) throughout the federal workforce. This is unnecessary (as federal workers will either be working without pay), intended to intimidate and punish, likely illegal and cruel. His administration has not provided any further details.
My Efforts to Avoid and End the Shutdown
Throughout my time in Congress, as a member of the House Appropriations Committee and otherwise, I've consistently pushed for timely and reasonable appropriations bills to avoid last-minute end-of-fiscal-year train wrecks as is occurring now. I have also supported responsible continuing resolutions to continue government funding that also addressed critical needs like Red Hill funding.
The current Congressional majority failed to work in a bipartisan manner to pass our regular appropriations measures by the end of the fiscal year. And the purely partisan continuing resolution they offered was irresponsible on several fronts, including its failure to protect the health care of tens of millions of Americans from severe cost increases if not loss altogether.
The reality is that this is a closely divided government, no one side can have its way, and it requires a compromise bipartisan solution. I continue to pursue realistic solutions with likeminded colleagues as we work to end this self-inflicted situation and fully reopen government.
Federal Government Shutdown: Frequently Asked Questions
How long will this shutdown last?
It is unclear. Some shutdowns last less than a day, while the longest one went on for over a month. I will do my best to update you throughout this process, and again please be assured that my office will remain open.
I am a federal employee. Will I receive back pay?
After the 2018-2019 partial shutdown, Congress passed the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, which requires retroactive pay for furloughed and essential employees following the end of a government shutdown. Generally, benefits such as health insurance continue during a shutdown; however, federal employees may need to wait until they are returned to pay status before adjusting their benefits.
What does this mean for disaster relief efforts?
Federal Emergency Management Agency staff will still respond to emergencies, and agencies involved in disaster response will continue their work.
Will I continue to receive my Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (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.
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.
What happens to veterans’ services?
There will be no impact on veteran health care as medical facilities and clinics will remain operational. Burials will continue at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemeteries, to include the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl). The VA will continue to process and deliver all benefits to veterans including compensation, pension, education and housing benefits. The VA will also continue to process appeals.
What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement?
All active-duty and national guard and reservists on active-duty orders are excepted (essential) 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 childcare 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.
What is the impact on food assistance?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has enough resources to administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for one month following a September 30th shutdown. If the shutdown lasts into November or beyond, those benefits will be impacted. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children may be immediately impacted through reduced benefits following a shutdown.
Will air travel be affected?
Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration officers and Customs and Border Protection 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 is the impact on housing?
The Federal Housing Administration will stop insuring some new mortgages and the Department of Housing and Urban Development will stop processing some new loans. The Department of Agriculture 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.
Will I still be able to visit National Parks and monuments?
Closures will be determined on a location-by-location basis. Smithsonian museums will be closed shortly after a shutdown begins. The USS Arizona, Volcanoes National Park and Haleakalā National Park will be closed. In some locations, state governments have decided to invest state funds to keep certain national parks open.
I'm coming to DC, will my tours still take place?
Unfortunately, all tours of the U.S. Capitol, White House and the FBI Building cannot take place during a shutdown. If you've booked a tour and wish to reschedule, please contact my office at (202) 225-2726.
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.
I have a federally issued-student loan. How will this impact payments and administration of student loans?
The Department of Education will continue to issue loans and process Free Application for Federal Student Aid applications. If you have federal student loans, note that student loan borrowers are still required to make payments in a shutdown.
