7:03The U.S. Capitol in Washington, October 15, 2025. Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters
As the cessation of government operations endures without a resolution, concerns are mounting regarding the condition of various crucial governmental functions.
While certain provisions, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), possess a restricted quantity of reserves that are rapidly depleting, additional services continue to operate despite the ongoing deadlock between Republicans and Democrats.
The U.S. Capitol in Washington, October 15, 2025.Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters
Inquiries also persist concerning the initiation of a new House representative who shifts the balance of authority in Congress toward the Democrats.
VA benefits
Numerous significant Veterans Affairs advantages will proceed with processing and distribution throughout the duration of the shutdown.
Valor pavilion entrance to the V.A. Medical Center with armed forces flags flying in Kansas City, Missouri.Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Furthermore, VA medical facilities, suicide intervention programs, assistance for the unhoused, and aid for caregivers will continue to operate for veterans.
Nevertheless, 15,000 VA personnel have been placed on furlough. The agency stated that amid a shutdown, the VA discontinues career guidance, closes regional benefit centers, and suspends certain contact centers.
Can furloughed employees file for unemployment?
Employees on furlough may be authorized to request unemployment compensation during the shutdown.
The Office of Management and Budget indicates that these regulations concerning benefits differ among states and may involve a preliminary waiting period.
With the government shutdown now in its third week, a sign turns away tourists at the entrance to the Capitol Visitor Center, in Washington, Oct. 15, 2025.J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Specialists advise that qualified furloughed personnel should apply for unemployment promptly, as the processing of the application may require a certain duration.
Furloughed workers who secure unemployment payments and subsequently receive retroactive pay following the conclusion of the shutdown might be obligated to reimburse those benefits, according to specialists.
Passport applications
American citizens aiming to seek a passport or renew an existing one need not be anxious regarding their submissions.
Passport administration is deemed a vital service and has not been suspended.
Paul Liu, who recently renewed his U.S. passport, holds a collection of passports he’s held over the years, July 31, 2025, in downtown Fresno, California.Eric Paul Zamora/The Fresno Bee/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Visa and passport activities are autonomously financed by charges.
Adelita Grijalva's swearing in
In the prior month, Democrat Adelita Grijalva was elected to represent Arizona’s 7th congressional district in a unique election, securing over 70% of the electorate.
However, House Speaker Mike Johnson has not administered the oath of office to Grijalva, maintaining that he would not fulfill the obligation while the House is not in session.
Democratic U.S. congressional candidate Adelita Grijalva speaks to the media during a primary election-night party at El Casino Ballroom on July 15, 2025 in South Tucson, Arizona.Rebecca Noble/Getty Images
There exists no statute prohibiting a duly elected House member from being sworn into office. The House possesses the authority to induct legislators even in the absence of legislative affairs and retains the capacity to convene, notwithstanding a government shutdown.
Grijalva and Democrats have denounced Johnson for protracting the swearing-in process due to a request to release the Jeffrey Epstein records, as Grijalva’s signature would constitute the 218th, thereby mandating a House referendum on the matter.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
