As of 12:01 a.m. on October 1, funding for many federal government operations has lapsed. I supported a package passed by the House that would extend current funding until November 21, 2025, but the proposal did not pass the Senate.
Despite the shutdown, my office is here to help residents of South Carolina's 5th District with issues they are facing with federal agencies. While many federal agencies may have slower response times and minimal staffing, we can still submit requests and advocate on your behalf. You can submit casework requests on our website here.
I am also committed to keeping you informed about how the shutdown may or may not affect you. Many essential services, like Social Security payments, will still be provided as Congress works toward a solution. Federal agencies closing operations are still working on their shutdown plans.
Impacts vary by agency. Visit the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website for the latest details.
How did we get here?
The U.S. Congress must pass annual appropriations measures in order to fund federal government agencies by October 1. On September 19, I supported a measure that passed the House of Representatives extending current federal funding until November 21 while we finish our work for the full fiscal year. This was a clean, straightforward extension of existing funding without extraneous policy.
Unfortunately this proposal did not pass the Senate, as Senate Democrats blocked the measure and shutdown and shut down the government. This means that many federal agencies do not currently have the authority to operate. Other programs deemed essential are allowed by law to continue.
What kinds of services will continue?
While the programs listed below will continue, the agencies responsible for administering them may see reduced workforces impacting operations. This is not a comprehensive list as we are continuing to gather information.
- Social Security payments, including SSI benefits, will continue as normal. For the official update from the Social Security Agency as of September 24, click here.
- Medicare and Medicaid benefits. To find the official contingency plan for the Department of Health and Human Services, click here.
- VA medical care and benefits (although some regional offices may be closed)
- Disability payments
- Mail delivery
- Federal law enforcement and military operations. For the official update from the Department of Homeland Security, click here.
- Air travel
- Federal employee retirement payments
- Student aid such as Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans
- Visa and passport services (although longer wait times are possible)
Resources for Federal Employees
As agencies shut down, federal employees will either be furloughed, or in some cases required to work without pay. Under federal law, employees are entitled to back pay upon the government reopening.
For agency-specific details, visit your department’s .gov site (e.g., www.dhs.gov, www.va.gov) and check their HR or shutdown resource pages.
Food Assistance Resources for South Carolina District Five Residents
With federal benefits such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) paused or delayed starting on November 1, 2025, it is critical to know where you can turn for immediate support. Individuals can call 211 for assistance in their area, including a list of food pantries.
For an interactive map of food banks and pantries in South Carolina, please visit this map. Please call for hours of operations and requirements, before visiting food sites.
Harvest Hope Food Bank serves Calhoun, Chester, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Fairfield, Florence, Greenville, Kershaw, Laurens, Lee, Lexington, Marion, Marlboro, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda and Sumter Counties.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina serves Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenwood, Lancaster, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg, Union, and York Counties.
