On October 1, 2025, the federal government shutdown over a lapse in funding.
Senator Peters is working with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reopen the government as soon as possible. However, as a result of the shutdown, federal agencies are operating with reduced staff and some of the services they provide may be delayed.
Senator Peters’ Washington, DC and Detroit constituent services offices are open and available to assist you and your family. You can reach the Detroit office at 313-226-66020 or 844-506-7420 (toll free). You can reach the DC office at 202-224-6221. You can also request assistance from the senator’s office by clicking here. If you wish to share your thoughts with the senator, you can do so by clicking here.
Below are some frequently asked questions and resources related to a government shutdown. This guidance is based on prior government shutdown protocol.
Some federal agencies may have reduced staff. Senator Peters’ office will continue to submit inquiries to federal agencies, including requesting updates on constituents’ behalf, submitting paperwork, and opening new cases. Please contact Senator Peters’ office to open a case. The office will contact an agency on your behalf and provide you with updates.
You will continue to receive Social Security benefits. Please be aware that new benefit verification and card issuance services cease during a shutdown, meaning new recipients may see delays in processing their claims.
You will continue to receive Medicare and Medicaid. Please be aware that due to reduced staffing, communications from the agency may be delayed.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will continue to process and deliver benefits to veterans, including compensation, pension, education, housing, and burial benefits. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities will remain open.
The Postal Service is independently funded. All USPS services will continue to operate as normal.
The U.S. Passport Agency will remain open. Passport applications and renewal requests will continue to be processed.
If you are abroad and need help, you should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate whose services will remain available.
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue to operate, including accepting and adjudicating immigration-related applications and petitions, but there may be some delays.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that it will remain open for the first few days following a government shutdown, but services could be delayed due to reduced staff following that time period.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff will continue to respond to emergencies as the Disaster Relief Fund is not affected by the lapse of government funding.
Due to the federal government shutdown, tours and visitor centers at federal buildings are closed. This means that all tours of the U.S. Capitol, White House, Treasury Department, and Bureau of Engraving and Printing are canceled for the duration of the shutdown.
If you have questions, you can call Senator Peters’ DC office at 202-224-6221.
Due to the federal government shutdown, flag requests cannot be submitted. If you already ordered a flag, it will be processed after the government shutdown ends.
If you have questions, you can call our DC office at 202-224-6221.
National park closures will be determined on a location-by-location basis. Open-air parks and monuments in Washington, D.C. will likely remain accessible. Currently, many Smithsonian museums are planning to operate through October 12, 2025.
Current law requires federal employees who are furloughed or required to work during a shutdown to be compensated for the period of the lapse.
Additional employment rights information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/employee-relations/employee-rights-appeals/#url=Appeals
Federal agencies are required by law to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees with disabilities. Learn more here: https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applicants
For information on statutory whistleblower protections and accompanying resources, click here: https://whistleblower.house.gov/resources/resources-whistleblowers
For information on prohibited personnel practices, including the right to appeal, visit here: https://www.mspb.gov/ppp/ppp.htm#faq; https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/employee-relations/employee-rights-appeals/
For information on civil service law, click here: https://guides.loc.gov/federal-civil-service-employment-law
Resources for Federal Employees and Job Applicants: https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/resources-federal-employees-and-job-applicants
Guide to understanding your SF-50: https://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/2018-12/understanding-form-sf-50.pdf
Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch: https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/resources_standards-of-conduct