As of 12:01 AM on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the federal government is shut down because the Republican-controlled Congress failed to pass funding legislation. I am working with my congressional colleagues to pass legislation that would restore funding to federal agencies and end the shutdown.
As a result of the shutdown, many federal agencies may be closed or limited. While my Delaware and Washington, DC offices may have limited capacity, we will do everything we can to serve you. I will continue to share information as it becomes available. This page will be updated as the situation develops.
The following information is up to date as of 10/31/2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a government shutdown?
A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass annual appropriations legislation or a Continuing Resolution (CR) before the beginning of a fiscal year on October 1st. The temporary gap in funding means federal agencies and employees are unable to carry out their usual duties or must do so on an unpaid basis for as long as the shutdown persists. As a result, many federal programs and services experience interruptions and delays during a government shutdown.
Will Senator Blunt Rochester’s offices be open?
My offices in Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown, and Washington, D.C. will remain open. Staff will not be able to arrange Capitol tours or fulfill flag requests. You may still submit new casework requests on our website, but please note that our team will have a reduced ability to assist you, as many federal agencies will be closed during the shutdown.
CLICK HERE to submit a request to our casework team.
- You can reach our Wilmington office at (302) 573-6291.
- You can reach our Dover office at (302) 674-3308.
- You can reach our Georgetown office at (302) 856-7690.
- You can reach our Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-2441.
How will this affect me?
- Social Security and SSI payments will continue. However, new claims may not be processed, and questions may not be answered during the shutdown.
- Medicare benefits will continue uninterrupted. However, new Medicare cards will not be issued, and new beneficiaries may not be accepted into the program until the shutdown ends. If you’ve been receiving telehealth-based care through Medicare, your appointments may be rescheduled or moved to in person.
- The United States Postal Service (USPS) will continue to be fully operational.
- You should prepare for delays at the airport. TSA, CBP, and air traffic controllers will be working without pay and/or with reduced staff for the duration of the shutdown.
- Military and federal law enforcement will also be working without pay during the shutdown.
- VA medical facilities will remain open, several Veterans Benefits Administration programs will continue, and burials will take place at VA national cemeteries during the shutdown. However, VA benefits regional offices will be closed.
- The State of Delaware is expected to be able to fund WIC through the end of the year, so no disruption of benefits is expected at this time.
- Delawareans who normally receive SNAP benefits will receive food assistance in November thanks to action taken by state leaders. 25% of your monthly SNAP amount will be loaded onto your EBT card each week. You will not receive the full monthly amount at one time. Constituents can still apply for SNAP benefits, report changes, and complete periodic reports.
- Beware of scams: If you receive a call or text asking for your EBT card number and PIN, do not respond. Neither the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services nor EBT Customer Service will ever contact you for this information.
- National parks and federal museums may close and will have reduced services. Please check the website of the facility you are looking to visit for specific guidance.
- Federal Student Aid (FSA) programs, such as the Pell Grant and the Direct Loan program, will not be impacted. Student loan payments will continue to be processed during the shutdown.
- The Small Business Administration (SBA) will not accept, review, or approve any new business loans for the duration of the shutdown.
- Regional Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offices will close. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will remain operational until further notice, but with reduced capacity. This may affect your ability to obtain or refinance a mortgage through the FHA.
- USDA’s Farm Service Agency will not implement or process several programs critical to farmers, including disaster assistance program payments related to extreme weather and direct loans.
- The operations of the IRS are limited during the shutdown. Until the government reopens, most tax refunds will not be paid, and walk-in Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) are closed, but limited live IRS telephone customer service assistance will be available. Additionally, all Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) offices are closed, which may limit the ability of my constituent services team to resolve IRS-related issues on your behalf. Please be aware that you must continue to fulfill your tax obligations, regardless of the status of government funding.
If you are experiencing any disruptions, please do not hesitate to contact my office for assistance.
Additionally, to see list of shutdown-related resources compiled by the Office of Delaware Governor Matt Meyer, CLICK HERE.