Message from Huffman regarding pending government shutdown

The following is a message from Rep. Jared Huffman (D-san Rafael), who represents the North Coast of California, including Mendocino County:

“We are currently anticipating that the federal government will shut down on Sunday, Oct. 1,” Huffman writes in a statement sent Wednesday, Sept. 27. “While the Biden administration and House and Senate leadership reached a budget deal earlier this summer, some extreme MAGA members are holding the government hostage and will no longer vote in support of the deal. Unless an agreement is reached, the federal government will run out of funding at the end of this week.

“If you are working with a federal agency, please reach out to representatives before Sept. 30. Many federal agencies will be forced to furlough staff, which will slow response times and, in some cases, may suspend their services all together. This may include but is not limited to passport appointments, assistance with Social Security, Medicaid, IRS as well as Veterans Affairs. You can reach our office by email or phone.

Here is a list of some federal services that may be impacted:

Families Will Get Cut Off from Food Assistance Programs: Vital nutrition assistance is at risk for nearly 7 million women and children who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)—A program that serves nearly half of babies born in this country.

Kids May Lose Access to Head Start: Thousands of children across the country may lose access to Head Start, as the Department of Health and Human Services wouldn't be able to award Head Start Grants during a shutdown.

Critical Services like Disaster Preparedness and Response Will Be Interrupted:

A Republican shutdown would create an increased risk that FEMA'S Disaster Relief Fund is depleted and would complicate new emergency response efforts if additional catastrophic disasters occur. Funding for long-term recovery projects would also remain halted, worsening ongoing delays as FEMA awaits new appropriations.

Servicemembers and Law Enforcement Officers Will Work Without Pay: All active-duty military personnel and many law enforcement officers would remain at work but receive no pay until funds are available.

Access to our National Parks May Be Shut Off: Maintenance of parks will also be suspended — including restroom cleaning, visitor services, and trash collection.

Small Businesses Will Not Get New Loans from the SBA: The Small Business Administration will not accept, review, or approve any new business loans in the event of a shut down.

Travelers May Face Significant Delays: Air traffic controllers and TSA Officers are expected to work without pay—potentially leading to significant delays and longer wait times for travelers at airports across the country like there were during previous shutdowns.

“I am deeply disappointed that the unnecessary shutdown will have severe impacts on some of our neighbors' lives,” Huffman notes, explaining that: “My staff and I will do everything in our power to help you during what hopefully will be a limited time and to help bring the government shutdown to a close.”

The statement is signed “Jared Huffman, Member of Congress,” and includes these local contact numbers:

Fort Bragg Office: 430 North Franklin St., P.O. Box 2208, Fort Bragg, CA 95437 Phone: (707) 962-0933

Ukiah Office: 200 South School St., Suite I, Ukiah, CA 95482 Phone: (707) 6717449.