As of 12:01 a.m. ET on Saturday, January 31, 2026, the Federal Government entered a partial government shutdown due to a lapse in funding for several agencies.
Affected agencies include the Departments of Health and Human Services, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, Education, Homeland Security, State, the Small Business Administration, Transportation Security Administration, Treasury, and several others.
Senator Reverend Warnock and his office remain focused on serving Georgians across the state and assisting with Federal agencies during this Federal government shutdown. Senator Warnock’s offices in Washington, D.C. and throughout Georgia will remain open and operational during the shutdown.
Senator Warnock is focused on restarting negotiations that result in bipartisan government funding legislation that protects the lives of Americans, preserves our freedoms, restores essential services, and reopens the government.
In the meantime, please find answers to common questions about a government shutdown below. If you need assistance from Senator Warnock’s office or have other questions, please contact our office here and find available services here.
Please Note: The guidance below is from different Federal agencies and is subject to change.
RESOURCES FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES IN GEORGIA:
Federal employees should monitor www.opm.gov for updates. Please click here to find more guidance from OPM.
During a shutdown, federal workers will be broadly classified as either excepted, furloughed, or exempt. Each federal agency has broad discretion in classifying its employees.
In general, “excepted” employees continue to work during a shutdown, often because they perform functions that involve risk of human life, are constitutionally or statutorily mandated, or are necessary for an orderly shutdown. The military and law enforcement officers are common examples of “excepted” employees in past shutdowns.
“Furloughed” employees will not work during a shutdown, typically because they do not perform functions that involve risk of human life, are constitutionally or statutorily mandated, or are necessary for an orderly shutdown.
“Exempt” employees will continue to work during a shutdown and abide by normal pay and leave rules because their roles are funded by special fees or multi-year funding accounts. US. Postal Service mail carriers are a common example of “exempt” employees in past shutdowns.
The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, passed in 2019, requires Federal employees who are furloughed or required to work during a shutdown to be compensated for the period of the lapse. After the shutdown ends, all employees must be paid immediately for the time lapsed. Note, this law does not apply to federal contractors.
Generally, benefits such as health insurance continue during a shutdown; however, federal employees may need to wait until the government reopens if they want to adjust their benefits.
Federal employees in Georgia may also be eligible for unemployment assistance during the shutdown. Please visit the Georgia Department of Labor for more information.
For additional resources for federal workers, click here.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
WHAT IS A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?
According to the Congressional Research Service, when Federal government agencies and programs lack budget authority after the expiration of either full-year or interim appropriations, they experience a “funding gap.”
Under the Antideficiency Act (31 U.S.C. §§1341 et seq.), they must cease operations, except in certain circumstances when continued activities are authorized by law. When there is a funding gap that affects many federal entities, the situation is often referred to as a government shutdown.
Due to the lapse in funding, many Federal agencies may have to furlough workers and would have limited capacity to work on cases.
Senator Warnock’s office is operating as usual. We remain open to hear from Georgians and can still provide limited assistance on urgent federal matters. For help with a federal agency, click here.
Due to the shutdown, depending on decisions from the Trump administration, some Federal agencies may not begin working on your case immediately, but our office will do our best to get you the assistance you need in a timely manner.
WILL I STILL RECEIVE MY SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS?
Yes. According to the Social Security Administration, recipients will continue to receive Social Security benefits and SSI checks.
However, some services, including new applications, appeals, and obtaining or replacing a social security card, may experience delays.
Not all in-person services will be available, including proof of benefits letters, or updates or corrections to earning records.
WILL I STILL RECEIVE MY MEDICARE AND/OR MEDICAID BENEFITS?
According to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is largely funded through application and petition fees, will continue to process individual cases.
According to the Department of State, consular operations domestically and abroad, including passport and visa services and assistance for American citizens abroad, will continue. However, certain domestic support for consular operations will be suspended.
WILL THE CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (CHIP) BE AFFECTED?
The Department of Veterans Affairs will not be affected by the partial shutdown.
WILL ACTIVE-DUTY SERVICEMEMBERS BE PAID?
No. According to Department of Defense guidance, active duty servicemembers do not receive their paychecks during a shutdown but will continue working as they are deemed “excepted”.
Service members will receive back pay, but paycheck deposits will be delayed until after funding resumes.
If you live in base housing, your services will remain intact. Schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) will remain open.
On-base Child Development Centers will close on a case-by-case basis. Please check locally for closures.
Civilian personnel who are necessary to carry out expected activities will continue to work, but also will not be paid until funding resumes, and some civilian personnel will be furloughed without pay.
WHAT HAPPENS TO PROGRAMS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, including its programs (e.g., SNAP, WIC, and farm assistance) will not be affected by this partial shutdown.
WHAT HAPPENS TO SNAP/WIC BENEFITS?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, including its programs (e.g., SNAP, WIC, and farm assistance) will not be affected by this partial shutdown.
WILL MY HOUSING VOUCHERS BE AFFECTED?
According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), monthly subsidy programs such as public housing subsidies and housing choice vouchers will continue to operate during a shutdown.
However, each public housing authority has a different financial situation and, in the event of an extended shutdown, funding resources may be stressed. Please contact your public housing authority for more information.
WILL HEAD START PROGRAMS CLOSE?
Some Head Start programs have been affected by the shutdown. Our office has been in close contact with these providers. If you experience any difficulties, please contact our office here.
WHAT HAPPENS TO FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS DURING A SHUTDOWN?
According to the Department of Education, student aid disbursements, including Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans, will continue during a shutdown.
Student loan borrowers will still be required to make payments during a shutdown.
However, during a shutdown, staff may be furloughed and assistance with these programs may be delayed.
HOW IS THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA) AFFECTED?
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, most new business loan approvals and program support will be paused during a government shutdown — including 7(a) and 504 loans.
However, SBA’s disaster loan processing is expected to continue.
However, air travelers should prepare for potentially longer wait times, delays, and possible cancellations, particularly in the event of a prolonged shutdown.
CAN I STILL GET A NEW PASSPORT DURING A SHUTDOWN?
Yes. According to the Department of State, passport applications will continue to be processed, but please note response times may be longer than usual.
CAN I STILL GET A GUIDED TOUR OF THE U.S. CAPITOL OR WHITE HOUSE?
Capitol tours will not be affected by this partial shutdown. White House tours may be canceled or postponed.
CAN I STILL GET A FLAG FROM THE U.S. CAPITOL?
Yes. Congressional operations will not be affected by this partial shutdown.
WILL NATIONAL PARKS REMAIN OPEN?
Yes. The Department of the Interior will not be affected by this partial shutdown.
WILL FEMA BE INTERRUPTED DURING A SHUTDOWN?
No. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Disaster Relief Fund Activities, including response and recovery activities authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (“The Stafford Act”), will continue.
Senator Warnock and his office remain focused on serving Georgians across the state and assisting with Federal agencies during this Federal government shutdown. Senator Warnock’s offices in Washington, D.C. and throughout Georgia will remain open and operational during the shutdown.
In the meantime, please find answers to common questions about a government shutdown above. If you need assistance from Senator Warnock’s office or have other questions, please contact our office here and find available services here.
Please Note: The above guidance from different Federal agencies is always subject to change.
