Representative First Last

Dear Friend,

Republicans control the White House and both chambers of Congress, and they had every chance to keep the government open. Instead, they've shut it down so they can continue pushing for policies that raise the cost of health insurance for everyday Americans.

I know this is top of mind for many North Carolinians, so I want to take a moment to answer some of your questions. Closing the government hurts federal employees, servicemembers, small business owners, families, children, and more. Please know that I'm doing all that I can to protect Wake County families and residents from the negative consequences of this completely avoidable, unnecessary shutdown.

What is a government shutdown?

A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass appropriations bills that provide funding for federal agencies by September 30th, the end of the fiscal year. A shutdown affects all federal agencies funded by appropriations, causing non-essential employees to be furloughed and the suspension of some citizen services.

Will I still receive mail during a shutdown?

Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a government shutdown. The U.S. Postal Service is an independent entity that is funded through the sale of its products and services, and not by tax dollars.

Will I still receive Social Security and Medicare?

Yes, you will still receive Social Security payments, and Medicare will continue during a lapse in appropriations. 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.

The Medicare annual open enrollment period beginning October 15 should not be affected.

Will I be able to get Medicaid or WIC benefits?

During a government shutdown, WIC sees see an immediate reduction in benefits from the shutdown. Medicare and Medicaid services continue as normal.

How will child care support programs like Head Start be impacted?

Some preschool and school readiness centers will close, leading to some children losing their Head Start benefits. This is devastating at a time when so many families in North Carolina and across the country are already struggling to afford the rising costs of child care.

Can I still apply for housing and small business loans?

In the event of a government shutdown, the Small Business Administration (SBA) cannot accept, review, or approve any new business loans -- including SBA's primary loan to small businesses. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), FHA will have limited staff during a shutdown, and the processing or closing of FHA-insured loans may be delayed. The longer the shutdown lasts, the more serious the impact will be.

Republicans have taken a sledgehammer to Americans' healthcare and expect Democrats to go along while premiums skyrocket for millions of families. While Republicans have been on vacation, Democrats have been in Washington, D.C. ready and willing to keep the government open. As always, we will work with Republicans to reopen the government - when they work with us to protect Americans' healthcare.

Click here for more shutdown information

If you have questions about a government shutdown, you can view more FAQs on my website here. Even during a shutdown, my offices will remain open and my team is here to assist in the meantime. You can send me an email through my website or call my Raleigh office at (919) 334-0840. For updates on my work on behalf of our community, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @RepDeborahRoss.

Very truly yours,

Deborah