Republicans' Government Shutdown.

October 6, 2025

We are almost a week into Republicans’ government shutdown.

Republicans have control of the House, the Senate, and the White House – but they are still trying to act like a shutdown isn’t their fault.

Democrats have one request: don’t slash healthcare for 22 million Americans.

Democrats passed Affordable Care Act tax credits that led to record-breaking enrollment in health insurance. But because of Republicans’ inaction, those tax credits are expiring, leading to skyrocketing healthcare costs at a time when the cost of living is already too high – again, thanks to Donald Trump.

What does that mean? A typical family of four making $125,000 would see their health care costs increase by $7,700 on average.

A 60-year old couple making $80,000 would see their health care costs increase by a whopping $17,500.

A family of four making $64,000 would see their health care costs increase by $2,600.

Whether it’s cancer treatment, chronic disease management, or pediatric services, healthcare isn’t negotiable.

Despite this, Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans are spreading dangerous misinformation to try to avoid responsibility. Here are a few of those myths:

MYTH: Action can wait because the health care tax credits don’t expire until Dec. 31.

FACT: Notices are already going out to families that their premiums have more than doubled. Millions will lose coverage or face skyrocketing costs starting this month.

MYTH: Democrats want over $1 trillion of new spending on health care for illegal aliens.

FACT:False. Undocumented individuals cannot purchase coverage through the Affordable Care Act or receive comprehensive Medicare or Medicaid coverage. No one is proposing to change that.

MYTH: There is no more time to negotiate.

FACT: Republicans have refused to negotiate with Democrats for months. Congress can move very quickly when there is the will to do so. Democrats are ready to work through the night to keep government open or quickly end a shutdown. House Republicans are on vacation.

I want to know what you think*:

Do you support making sure Congress extends critical health insurance tax credits, even if it means a government shutdown?
How has the Affordable Care Act helped you?

Click to take my survey

We don’t know yet how long a government shutdown will last – that’s up to Republicans. In the meantime, my office is open and ready to serve you. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions, and you can find more information on the Republican shutdown at carson.house.gov.

Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?

Recipients are expected to continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks. The Social Security Administration (SSA) should continue providing limited services like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications. However, SSA will stop some activities like benefit verifications and processing overpayments and the public will likely experience increased wait times for customer service.

Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?

Medicare, Medicaid and disability insurance will be largely unaffected by a shutdown lasting less than three months. Current beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits.

What is the impact on veterans' services?

All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics are expected to remain fully operational. The VA is also expected to continue to process veterans’ benefits.

Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended?

Military and federal retirees should continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed.

Will my mail still arrive?

Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not expected to delay mail delivery.

Will commercial air travel be affected?

Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents will remain on the job. However, like all federal employees, they will not be paid until the shutdown is over. However, other aviation safety personnel may be furloughed, so delayed safety inspections and certifications could have a negative impact on air travel.

If you’d like to share your opinion on this issue or any other issues, I encourage you to contact my office.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, X, Bluesky, and Youtube and subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with my work on your behalf in Washington.

*By participating, you're subscribing to my newsletter and will receive updates on the work I'm doing for you

Issues:Health CareEconomy

Follow on

Republicans' Government Shutdown.