The Shutdown

The American people expect the federal government to work for them. They expect federal programs and services to be there when they need them, and they expect Congress to make their tax dollars work for American citizens. Unfortunately, the government is not open, and it is not working as it should.

On Wednesday at midnight, the government shut down after Senate Democrats decided to hold the federal government and American people hostage over partisan policy demands. Their laundry list of demands totals $1.5 trillion – an absurd amount of money to ask for during a government shutdown. Their wish list includes health care subsidies for illegal immigrants and people making $110,000 a year. The Democrats’ decision to shut the government down is withholding the pay of hundreds of thousands of government employees across the country.

Meanwhile, the Republican proposal is simple: extend the current budget for seven weeks so the House and Senate can finish passing annual funding bills. I voted to keep the government open so taxpaying South Dakotans receive the services they’re paying for.

Shutdowns are stupid and no one benefits from them. To stop the repetitive political theater and consequences of shutdowns, I introduced the Eliminate Shutdowns Act to make sure shutdowns never happen again. Additionally, I believe Congress shouldn’t get paid when American workers like our men and women in uniform do without. I made sure I won’t receive a paycheck during this shutdown – it’s just not fair.

I’m working every day to open the government, and my team and I will be available to serve South Dakotans who need help. 

If you’re wondering how the shutdown might impact you, I’ve included some updates on common government services below.

Agencies with minimal changes in services 

• Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid will continue to operate as normal. The processing of new benefits may be delayed.
• The United States Postal Service will not be interrupted.
• 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.

Where services may be impacted 

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will continue to be paid. A prolonged shutdown may impact these benefits.
• Funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) may stop during the shutdown.
• National Parks may be closed to visitors during the lapse in funding. I recommend checking the park’s status ahead of any planned visit.
• Air traffic controllers and TSA will operate without pay and some delays are possible.
• Passport applications are currently taking 4-6 weeks to process for routine applications. Further delays are possible as the shutdown continues.  
• The Farm Service Agency will continue to service farm loans during this time. It will provide emergency loans, but this service may be slower than usual. Local offices will be closed but an on-call farm loan officer will be available for emergencies should the shutdown be prolonged.  

I will continue to work throughout this government shutdown. Please reach out to my office if you have any questions or need assistance.