CRIST OFFICES OPEN TO SERVE PINELLAS FAMILIES THROUGHOUT SHUTDOWN

Outlines Government Shutdown Impact on Other Federal Services

Washington, January 22, 2018
While many federal agencies reduce services during a government shutdown, U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) announced his Congressional offices will remain open to serve the people of Pinellas. The Congressman remains in Washington, working with his colleagues to find a bipartisan solution to re-open the government and address the many pressing issues before Congress. (Please find below additional information on how the shutdown will and will not affect Pinellas families).

"Let me reassure my neighbors in Pinellas that we work for you and that work continues whether the rest of the federal government is functioning or not," said Crist. "For those in need of assistance or questions about what may or may not be impacted during this time, we are here for you."

Washington, DC Office
427 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5961

Downtown St. Pete Office
696 1st Avenue North, Suite 203
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: (727) 318-6770

IMPACT OF A FEDERAL SHUTDOWN
ADDITIONAL AGENCIES AND SERVICES NOT LISTED BELOW MAY ALSO BE IMPACTED. 
THIS LIST IS SUBJECT TO UPDATES AND CHANGES

The following services will continue during a shutdown:

  • All VA medical facilities and clinics will remain fully operational.
  • Social Security beneficiaries will continue receiving checks.  Local Social Security offices should remain open for assistance with benefits.
  • The U.S. Postal Service will keep delivering mail.
  • Medicare and Medicaid claims will continue to be processed.
  • Active-duty military and Coast Guard will continue serving.
  • Air traffic controllers, prison guards and border patrol agents will remain on the job.
  • NASA Mission Control will continue supporting astronauts serving on the Space Station.
  • The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices will remain open.

The following services will be halted during a shutdown:

  • New applications for small business loans will be halted..
  • New or replacement Social Security and Medicare cards will not be issued.  Proof of income letters will not be issued.  Earnings records will not be updated or corrected.
  • Permits and reviews for energy and transportation projects will be halted except in cases of emergency.
  • Non-essential Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) inspections of chemical facilities and drinking water systems will be halted.
  • Most non-essential federal employees will be immediately furloughed without pay.
  • New patients may not enroll in National Institutes of Health (NIH) clinical trials.
  • USDA home loans for rural communities will be halted.
  • The National Flood Insurance Program will not be able to issue new policies, renew policies, or increase coverage limits on existing policies.
  • Disaster recovery payments from FEMA will be delayed or halted.
  • Tours of the U.S. Capitol, White House, and other D.C. attractions are not available during a shutdown.

The following services will continue in a limited capacity but may be halted in an extended shutdown:

  • Federal Housing Administration loan applications will be approved but may be delayed.  Reverse mortgages and Title I (manufactured housing) will NOT be approved during a shutdown.
  • Veterans compensation, pension, education and other benefits will continue, but the ability to enroll for benefits may be limited in an extended shutdown.
  • Board of Veterans Appeals activities may be halted in an extended shutdown.
  • VA suicide hotline is open, but most non-essential call centers are closed.
  • SNAP, school lunch benefits, and other nutrition programs will operate normally, but may be limited or halted in an extended shutdown.
  • Tax refunds may be delayed by the IRS.
  • Applications to get Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid may be delayed in an extended shutdown due to limited staffing.
  • Passports will continue to be issued by the State Department, but processing of applications may be delayed or halted in an extended shutdown or at some locations, like federal buildings.
  • The National Flood Insurance Program will continue to pay claims, but a long-term shutdown may impact the future availability of funds.
  • National Parks will be kept "as accessible as possible" but anticipated reduction in services is expected.
  • Smithsonian Museums are anticipated to close if there is an extended shutdown.

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