An Update Regarding the Government Shutdown from Rep. Seth Moulton
October 1, 2025October 1, 2025
Rep. Seth Moulton
Dear Friends,
We are now in a shutdown. I want to take a moment to explain what this means, how we got here, and what my team and I are doing to help people who are impacted by this shutdown.
Why is the government in a shutdown?
Despite controlling the White House, House, and Senate, Republicans need Democratic votes in the Senate in order to pass any spending bills. Republicans must work with Democrats to reach an agreement on a budget that works for all Americans and does not just advance President Trump’s lawless agenda. So far, President Trump and Republican leadership have shown they are unwilling, and frankly, openly opposed to, negotiating a fair deal.
Democrats are fighting to protect enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits that are set to expire at the end of 2025. If these expire, people who get their health care through the ACA would see their premiums skyrocket—potentially by 75% or more. Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans pushed hard to extend tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans in the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act. But when asked to keep healthcare costs lower for average Americans, they have fought Democrats every step of the way.
What happens during a government shutdown?
A shutdown impacts a variety of services, programs, and, most importantly, people. Nearly 30,000 federal employees who live in Massachusetts, including 8,000 in our district, will either be furloughed or required to work without pay.
During a government shutdown, essential services related to national security and public safety, air traffic control, law enforcement, and power grid maintenance will continue, although disruptions could occur. Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare programs will remain operational. Veterans will continue to receive benefits through the VA. However, it will be difficult to reach these agencies due to staff shortages. Travel delays at airports are also likely.
What happens next?
While we wait for Republicans to come to the negotiating table with Democrats to find a bipartisan solution, I am working to protect all of us from the effects of a shutdown.
I’ve cosponsored several bills to ensure that working families, servicemembers, and federal employees don’t pay the price for this dysfunction:
The Feed Our Families Act makes sure families relying on SNAP benefits can still access food assistance.
The Pay Our Military Act and Pay Our Troops Act guarantee that servicemembers, reservists, and civilian defense workers continue to get paid
The SAFE Act blocks federal agencies from laying off civil servants during a shutdown.
The Pay Federal Workers and Servicemembers Act ensures that unpaid workers can access unemployment benefits.
The Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act protects wages for low-income federal contractors like janitorial, food service, and security workers.
I will continue to fight for a bipartisan solution that keeps the government open and maintains affordable, quality health care for all Americans.
If you have further questions, please visit our FAQ page at https://moulton.house.gov/governmentshutdown.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office in the meantime by visiting moulton.house.gov or calling (978) 531-1669.
As always, you can reach out to our office with any questions you may have or if you’re in need of assistance.
Washington, DC
1126 Longworth Building
Washington, DC 20515
P: 202-225-8020
Salem, MA
21 Front Street
Salem, MA 01970
P: 978-531-1669
