Federal Government Shutdown
Dear Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Members,
We want to keep you informed about the current federal government shutdown and how it may affect your business operations and our community.
We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as they become available. The Chamber remains committed to supporting our members during this period of uncertainty.
If you have questions or concerns about how the shutdown may affect your specific business, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
What is a Federal Government Shutdown?
A federal government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass appropriations legislation to fund federal government operations and agencies. When this happens, non-essential federal operations cease, and hundreds of thousands of federal employees are furloughed or required to work without pay until funding is restored.
Federal Organizations and Services Affected
The following federal departments and agencies are typically impacted during a shutdown:
- Small Business Administration (SBA) – Loan processing and business assistance programs may be suspended
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Limited services, potential delays in tax refunds and processing
- National Park Service – National parks and monuments may have reduced services or closures
- Department of Transportation – Potential delays in infrastructure projects and transportation services
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – Limited review of filings and regulatory actions
- Department of Commerce – Census Bureau, Patent and Trademark Office may have limited operations
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Permitting and compliance activities may be delayed
- Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Farm loans, inspections, and support services may be affected
- Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Housing assistance and loan programs may face delays
Services That Continue During a Shutdown
- Social Security benefit payments: Payments will continue to be sent out to recipients. Processing delays are likely for disability claims and benefit verifications.
- Medicare and Medicaid services: Operations are deemed essential and will go unaffected. Benefits will not be impacted during a government shutdown.
- U.S. Postal Service
- Military operations and essential defense activities
- Veterans Affairs: All VA hospitals and clinics will remain open. Some benefits offices and counseling services will be closed. The VA Contact Center will remain open and can be reached at 1-800-MyVA411. The Veterans Crisis Center is also available 24/7 to help veterans who call 988.
- Air traffic control and TSA security
- Airport Security: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continues unaffected. Travelers may face longer wait times going through airport security.
- Air Traffic Control: Operations are deemed essential and will go unaffected.
- Border protection and immigration enforcement
Passports: Standard processing currently takes 4-6 weeks. During a shutdown, delays may increase. To renew your passport or get a new passport, it is recommend that you begin the process as soon as possible. All consular services abroad will remain open.
Federal law enforcement
- Emergency medical care at federal facilities
What This Means for Your Business
- Delays in federal contracts, permits, and regulatory approvals
- Potential disruption to SBA loan applications and services
- Impacts on tourism if national attractions are closed
- Federal employees in our area may reduce discretionary spending
- Possible delays in federal payments to contractors and vendors
Recommendations
- Plan for potential delays in any federal interactions or approvals
- Monitor your cash flow if you depend on federal contracts or payments
- Stay informed about the shutdown’s duration and resolution
- Contact our office if you need resources or assistance navigating these challenges