Government Shutdown Resources

The fact is a government shutdown would be detrimental for New Mexicans. In every decision I make, I put New Mexico first and today’s vote protects the livelihoods of New Mexicans. I remain committed to coming to the table to work with my colleagues across the aisle.

Below, you can find information about the effects of a temporary government shutdown. This page will be periodically updated as new information becomes available. Please keep in mind that information may change as agencies adapt to the lapse in funding.

Social Security

Social Security beneficiaries will continue to receive benefits, because Social Security is considered a mandatory program not funded by shorter-term appropriation bills passed by Congress.
However, new claims, new Social Security cards, change of address petitions, and other such customer service requests may experience delays.

Medicare

Since Medicare claims are paid from Medicare trust funds, Medicare will continue as normal.
However, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will be unable to issue Medicare replacement cards and could possibly slow new enrollment processing.

Veterans

All VA medical facilities and clinics will remain open. They will also continue processing and paying veterans’ education and health benefits, disability compensation, and pension claims.
Unfortunately, VA call centers and hotlines (besides the Veterans Crisis Line) may cease; decisions on claims appeals may stop.

Unemployment Benefits

The State of New Mexico will continue to disburse federal unemployment benefits, so benefits should continue. For more information, please visit https://www.dws.state.nm.us/.

United States Postal Service

Since the U.S. Postal Service is not funded by tax dollars and relies on the sale of postage and services, it will continue to operate. All retail offices will remain open and delivery will not be affected.
The Postal Service will continue to accept passport applications, however there may be a delay because they will need to be processed by the State Department.

Military Pay

Military personnel will continue to report for duty.
However, if a shutdown continues through the next payday, then payments may be delayed.
Many military contractors and civilian employees could experience disruptions to their work and pay. For more information, please consult with the contracting agency.

Federal Employees and Retirees

Under a government shutdown all non-essential federal employees are placed on unpaid leave, also known as a furlough. However, essential employees that perform emergency work involving the safety of human life, the protection of property, or other exempted work, must continue to report to their job. Essential employees will not be paid unless Congress appropriates money for back pay after government funding is restored.
Each federal agency will determine which employees will be furloughed, and which must continue to report to work. Furloughs are expected to impact the services that agencies provide to the public. For more details please visit the Office of Personnel Management’s website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/furlough-guidance/.
After government funding is restored, Congress may appropriate money for back pay for essential employees.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Child Nutrition Programs (CNP)

SNAP and CNP will continue while funds are still available.
The State of New Mexico may be able to use leftover federal resources to fund these programs in the event that funding runs out.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

The vast majority of WIC recipients may see benefits immediately cut off. This is because WIC is administered by USDA which may not be able provide these benefits during a shutdown.

National Parks & Museums

New Mexico is home to 18 national parks that are at risk of closing–hurting local economies and ruining family travel plans. Services within the parks such as campgrounds and concessions may close, and the parks themselves may close. Carlsbad Caverns is expected to celebrate their 100th anniversary this October, and the shutdown may affect this.
The Capitol Tours, White House, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, and FBI tours may be suspended and their buildings will be closed to the public.

Passports and Visas

The State Department will continue to process passport applications and visa requests as long as funding and the collection of fees allows. However, delayed processing times are expected.
Additionally, our office will be unable to assist constituents with expediting passport and visa requests for the duration of the shutdown. Please continue to submit requests and we will do everything possible to assist.

Student Loans

Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans can continue to be obligated and make disbursement during a shutdown, but only as long as carryover and mandatory appropriations last. However, department staff needed to carry out and support these functions are significantly reduced.

I have an issue with a government agency, can I still call them for help? Can you help me instead?

Due to the lapse in funding, many agencies have furloughed workers so their help desks may have little or no staffing. You are encouraged to contact any agency to learn if they are still able to assist you at this time. You can also contact my office to open a case for you. We can contact an agency on your behalf and provide you with updates if they are open or when they reopen at the conclusion of a shutdown.

Additional Resources

If you have additional questions, please feel free to reach out to my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-2365 or my Las Cruces office at (575) 323-6390 and we will do our best to assist you.
This webpage will continue to be updated as more information becomes available from the federal government.