Constituent Access During a Government Shutdown

As you may have heard, due to the lapse of appropriated funds at midnight September 30, 2013, normal operations of the United States Government are suspended until funding is restored.

Our constituents come first and we are working to ensure we continue to provide essential services to you; however, we will be operating with a limited number of staff and would appreciate your understanding and patience given these circumstances.

How will this affect your access to Congressional facilities and offices?

• Eighth Congressional District Offices in Washington, D.C., will be open and maintain operations, limited staff availability.
• Eighth Congressional District Office in Warner Robins will be CLOSED Tuesday, October 1, 2013 - will reopen Wednesday, October 2, 2013
• Eighth Congressional District Office in Tifton will be OPEN Tuesday, October, 1, 2013 & OPEN Wednesday, October 2, 2013
• United States Capitol- Open to Members, staff, and visitors on official business.
• Capitol Visitor Center- Closed to the public.
• Galleries- The House Gallery is open, but individuals will enter and exit through the South Door and be escorted to and from the gallery.  There will only be one check stand open and storage of items will be limited.
• Guide-led Tours- Cancelled.
• Staff-led Tours- Cancelled.
• Member-led Tours- Member-led tours for groups of ten or fewer will be permitted in the House side of the Capitol (but not the CVC) between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. daily.  Members must personally accompany their guests at all times while in the Capitol.  If a Member is unable to complete the planned tour, whether to vote or for any other reason, the group must be immediately escorted to the South Door to exit the Capitol.
• Library of Congress- Closed to the public.  Minimal levels of staff will continue to assist congressional offices with Constitutional duties.
• Smithsonian Museums and National Zoo- Closed to the public.
• Botanical Garden- Closed to the public.

What You Need to Know About a Government Shutdown

Why Are We Here?
In accordance with Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 of the United States Constitution, “no money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in consequence of Appropriations made by law.”  The law under which government is currently funded expires at midnight on Monday, September 30.

What Has the House Done?
The House, committed to preventing a government shutdown, has passed three temporary spending measures called ‘continuing resolutions’ which would keep the government open.  The first continuing resolution repealed Obamacare, while the second delayed the plan for a year and included conscience protection.  The House passed a third compromise measure  including a one year delay of the individual mandate, pushing the President, Vice President, and political appointees into the system and removing all taxpayer subsidies for the President, Vice President, Members, and staff.                                          
                                                      
What Has the Senate Done?
The Senate refused to work this weekend while the House remained in session and Senate Democrats have refused to work with the House to reach agreement.  Instead, they have flatly rejected the House’s efforts to prevent a shutdown and refused to offer compromise.

What Has the President Done?
 President Obama has refused to engage in negotiations with Congress, opting instead to golf on a taxpayer-funded course over the weekend.  While his own Administration has exempted several portions of the law by executive fiat, he refuses to extend those same protections to the American people.

What Shuts Down?
“Non-excepted” parts of the government will be closed, including the Smithsonian museums, national monuments, national parks, and Capitol tours.  Certain services such as the expedition of a passport would also cease.

What Stays Open?
Sectors of government deemed “excepted” will continue to conduct business.  Therefore, programs written into permanent law (Social Security), functions pertaining to national security or public safety continue to operate.

Does Congress Get Paid?
Members of Congress are paid under constitutional law, and “excepted” congressional staff members receive payment in the form of back pay once the shutdown is over.  Other essential federal employees continue to work and have historically received payment after a delay, although it is not guaranteed. 

What About Our Troops?
On Saturday, the House unanimously approved a bill proposed by Congressman Kingston along with Reps. Mike Coffman (R-CO), Louie Gohmert (R-TX), and Tom Latham (R-IA) to ensure the payment of our troops and supporting civilian employees or contractors in the event of a government shutdown.   On Monday, the Senate followed up with passage by unanimous consent.

Frequently Asked Questions for a Temporary Lapse in Appropriations.pdf