The Office of Congressman Michael Guest is OPEN

Washington, D.C. - As of October 1, federal funding has lapsed and the government has entered a shutdown. On September 19, Congressman Guest voted for, and the House passed, a clean funding extension through November 21, but the Senate has failed to act. As a result, many agencies are operating at reduced capacity, while core programs required by law continue. 

What This Means for Fellow Mississippians  

Social Security, Medicare and Veterans’ Benefits 

• Social Security payments will still be issued. Retirees, survivors and those with disability benefits will continue to receive payments.
• Medicare and Medicaid services will continue, though some support functions may experience delays. Our office can help connect you with the appropriate agency staff if you run into difficulty.
• Veterans’ health care and disability compensation remain funded and will continue without interruption. Some VA services have been impacted.

Mail Delivery 

• The U.S. Postal Service will continue mail delivery, postage and post office services as usual.

Federal Agencies and Services 

• Air travel: TSA and air traffic controllers continue working, though wait times may be longer.
• National Parks and museums: National Parks will remain open, access to some museums may be closed or limited, and some services will be impacted.
• Small Business Administration loans, USDA services, and certain federal grants: Processing may pause or slow down. Our office can provide updates and help you explore temporary state or local resources.

Community and Economic Impacts 

• Federal employees: Furloughed workers may face delayed paychecks. Employees may qualify for temporary support in the meantime at mdes.ms.gov.
• Passports, visas, and federal permits: Processing may slow or stop. Our office can advise on urgent travel needs and help track pending applications.
• Federal contractors: Payments may be delayed. Contractors should check with their employers about contingency planning. 

Flood Insurance & Home Closings 

• National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): During a government shutdown, NFIP-administered by FEMA, cannot sell new or renewal insurance policies. However, existing NFIP policies will remain in effect until their expiration dates, and claims will continue to be paid until the funds are depleted.
• Casework help: If you encounter problems during the shutdown, our office can help connect you with the appropriate federal contacts.

Staying Informed 

As always, our office remains open to serve constituents. If you need assistance with Social Security, Medicare, Veterans’ services or any other federal agency, please contact us at (769) 241-6120.

While we cannot expedite agency processing during a funding lapse, our office is here to help navigate available options, and keep you informed of updates as the situation develops.

For more information or to sign up for my e-newsletter, please visit my website at guest.house.gov. 

Congressman Michael Guest represents Mississippi's Third Congressional District. Currently serving his fourth term, Congressman Guest is the Chairman of the Border Security and Enforcement Subcommittee of the Committee on Homeland Security and is also a member of the House Appropriations Committee.