Washington, D.C. – At 12:01am today, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats shut down the federal government after refusing to support a clean 7-week funding bill to keep the lights on until November 21st, 2025.
The clean, responsible continuing resolution (CR) earned the support of three Democrats but ultimately failed to reach the 60-vote threshold necessary to pass a funding bill.
U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) released the following statement:
“This Schumer Shutdown was completely avoidable,” said Senator Mullin. “Instead of doing the right thing and supporting a bipartisan effort to keep the government open, Chuck Schumer put his lifelong political career ahead of the tens of thousands of federal employees in Oklahoma. Terrified of a primary challenge from radical leftist AOC— Schumer rejected the same deal he supported just months ago, all to give healthcare to illegal alien criminals. President Trump has a mandate to govern, and it’s shameful to see Democrats throwing a temper tantrum and holding the American people hostage because they resent Americans for electing President Trump in the first place.”
“A shutdown halts normal government operations and limits federal agency activity to only essential services,” said Mullin. “Oklahomans should know that my offices will remain open and fully operational through the Schumer Shutdown. We are here to help. While many federal agencies release guidance for shutdowns, my team is available to answer any questions.”
Senator Mullin keeps Oklahomans updated on the Schumer Shutdown and all timely information via social media videos. Watch the Senator’s comments after last night’s funding vote HERE.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
Q: What is a government shutdown? Why is it happening?
A: Most agencies of the federal government are funded from annual appropriations bills passed by Congress, or Continuing Resolutions that fund government agencies while appropriations bills are still under negotiation. The federal government’s operating budget expired at midnight on Tuesday, September 30, the end of Fiscal Year 2025. Because Congress has not passed any of the appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2026 or a Continuing Resolution, many federal agencies have been forced to halt non-essential operations.
Q: How long will the shutdown last?
A: The longest-ever shutdown occurred in FY 2019 and was 34 days long.Although we do not know when this shutdown will end, Senator Mullin voted to keep the government open and urges Democrats to get on board for a clean, short-term funding bill to allow the bipartisan Senate appropriations process to continue. Our offices are open for those seeking help or answers.
Q: Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown?
A: This answer comes in three parts:
Q: I am a federal employee. Will I get paid during the shutdown?
A: According to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), federal civilian paychecks for the September 7 to September 20 pay period will not be delayed, as federal payroll providers have completed processing for this pay period. Paychecks should be issued at the normal time (generally, in the September 26 to October 2 time range). While a longer shutdown could result in missed paychecks beginning on October 10, the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act requires retroactive repayment for federal employees as soon as possible after a shutdown ends.
Q: What about contractor employees?
A: We encourage you to contact your employer for further information.
Q: I am a federal employee who is not deemed exempt or essential. What about my health insurance?
A: Health insurance coverage will continue during any unpaid time. Any employee premiums that accrue during the shutdown will be deducted from the next paycheck.
Q: I am a federal retiree. Will I get my retirement check on time?
A: Yes. Retirement annuity payments are made from a trust fund, not appropriations.
Q: Will I receive my Social Security payments during the shutdown?
A: Yes. Social Security is paid from a trust fund and is not dependent on appropriations bills. That includes Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, the Social Security Administration will stop activities like benefit verifications and processing overpayments, and there will likely be increased wait times for customer service during the shutdown.
Q: What about SNAP and WIC?
A: Mandatory programs likethe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps) will continue during the shutdown, although the program could be affected in the case of a prolonged shutdown. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will have to draw on contingency funding, which many are anticipating will happen quickly. Our office will monitor this closely.
Q: What happens with military personnel?
A: All military personnel on active duty will continue in normal duty status. Military reserve component personnel on federal active duty will continue to report for duty and carry out assigned duties. Department of War civilian personnel, including military technicians, who are not necessary to carry out or support excepted activities, are to be furloughed during a shutdown. Only the minimum number of civilian employees necessary to carry out excepted activities will be excepted from furlough. Military exchanges will remain open while stateside commissaries would likely close.
Q: What about my student loans? Will I be able to receive and make payments?
A: Yes. The U.S. Department of Education has determined that federal student aid processing is an essential function of government. The Department’s “lapse plan” states that Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student loans will continue to be disbursed and “student loan borrowers will still be required to make payments on their outstanding student debt.”
Q: Will my garbage get picked up?
A: Garbage pickup is a local government function and is unaffected by the federal government shutdown.
Q: Will my mail still be delivered?
A: Yes. The U.S. Postal Service’s operations are funded from their own revenue, not congressional appropriations.
Q: Will travel be affected?
A: Probably not. Airports will remain open and air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration officials will remain on the job, though they will not be paid until the shutdown is over. There could be delays if “non-essential” employees are furloughed.
Q: I am a veteran. Will I still be able to receive healthcare?
A: Veterans will still be able to receive their health benefits. All of VA’s medical facilities and providers will be open and working, respectively, to deliver care. The VA’s main hotline (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) will be open and fully staffed.
Q: I am a veteran. Will my benefits be impacted?
A: The Veterans Benefits Administration will continue processing benefits claims and delivering benefits and individual assistance. Appeals will continue to be considered and decided. The VA Benefit Hotline (1-800-827-1000) will continue to be operational during business hours (8:00am-9:00pm ET Monday to Friday). The Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) is always available 24/7.
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For more official updates, follow @SenMullin on: X, Facebook, Instagram, Truth Social, TikTok, & YouTube. Official website:https://www.mullin.senate.gov/