What's Still Open, What's Closed During the Federal Govt. Shutdown

Despite Congress grinding to a halt, U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (IL-3) isn’t kicking his off shoes and taking it easy.

Rep. Lipinski’s Washington, D.C., office, as well as his constituent services offices in Garfield Ridge (Chicago), Oak Lawn, Orland Park and Lockport will remain open during the federal government shutdown.

Throughout the duration of the shutdown, constituents are welcomed and encouraged to contact Rep. Lipinski’s offices should they have any constituent needs that must be addressed, the congressman said in a news release.

“Despite the inability of Congress to reach an agreement that keeps the government funded, I am committed to keeping my offices open to continue to provide constituent services and assistance on federal matters,” Rep. Lipinski said. “Please contact my offices or visit lipinski.house.gov if you have any questions on the how the shutdown impacts you. I am hopeful that this impasse can be resolved quickly so Washington can work on the issues that truly matter, such as getting our fiscal house in order, creating jobs for the middle class, and improving our local communities.” 

The shutdown, however, will impact several federal agencies and departments, including:

• Social Security checks will still be issued, but expect delays in processing new applications and other paperwork, such as change of address forms.

• Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and providers should not be affected, but new applicants likely will not be processed or able to enroll.

• The Veterans Administration’s medical services and facilities will not have a disruption in their services. Other VA services, including call centers and claims appeals, likely will be impacted.

• Mail delivery will continue as normal.

• Passport and visa applications will not be handled.

• Military personnel will continue to be paid.

• All Internal Revenue Service offices are closed.
  

• Air traffic controllers will remain on the job, as will airport security provided by the Transportation Security Administration.

• In general, all federal properties will be closed to the public and non-essential personal.  Essential maintenance and security services will continue. The federal courthouse in Chicago will remain open for business for approximately 10 business days. On or around Oct. 15, the situation will be reassessed and additional guidance provide.

• For those making trips to Washington, D.C., the Capitol Visitor Center, all federal museums and federal buildings will be closed. Once the shutdown ends, Rep. Lipinski’s office will again be able to assist with scheduling tours.

• Forget about that trip to Yellowstone or the Great Smoky National Park. National parks are closed indefinitely while Congress works things out.

• Most federal department and agency websites will not be updated with the most current information available. The National Weather Service website will be updated for the duration of the shutdown. Amazingly, the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA websites will not be updated during the shutdown.
  

• For detailed information about specific impacts at federal agencies and departments, visit www.usa.gov/shutdown.shtml or call 1-800-FED-INFO (1-800-333-4636) Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time.

Source: U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski

Read more about the federal government shutdown:

• Govt. Shutdown Won't Impact National Weather Service 

• Congress is More Popular Than Gonorrhea and the Kardashians 

• Google's Saddest Doodle Yet 

• 5 Things to Do Before a Government Shutdown