At midnight on October 1, 2025, the federal government entered a shutdown after the Senate failed to pass a continuing resolution that would have funded operations through November 21. The proposed funding bill received support from three Democrats but did not meet the required 60-vote threshold.
Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) commented on the situation, stating: “This Schumer Shutdown was completely avoidable. 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.”
Mullin added: “A shutdown halts normal government operations and limits federal agency activity to only essential services. 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.”
The senator is providing updates on social media regarding developments during the shutdown.
The shutdown occurred because Congress did not pass appropriations bills or a continuing resolution before September 30, which marked the end of Fiscal Year 2025. As a result, many federal agencies have had to stop non-essential functions.
There is no set end date for this shutdown; previous ones have varied in length, with the longest lasting 34 days in fiscal year 2019.
Federal civilian paychecks for work completed before the shutdown are expected to be issued as usual, but prolonged closure could delay future payments. Under current law, federal employees will receive back pay once operations resume.
Retirement annuity payments and Social Security benefits will continue since they are paid from trust funds rather than annual appropriations. However, some Social Security Administration services may be limited during this period.
Essential programs like SNAP (food stamps) will operate during the shutdown unless it becomes extended over time. WIC may need to rely on contingency funds if delays persist.
Active duty military personnel will continue their duties without interruption; however, some Department of Defense civilian staff may be furloughed except those needed for essential activities.
Federal student aid processing remains an essential function; Pell Grants and Direct Student Loans will still be distributed, and borrowers must continue making payments.
Mail delivery by USPS and local garbage collection services are unaffected by the federal funding lapse as they do not depend on congressional appropriations.
Airports remain open with air traffic controllers and TSA agents working without pay until funding resumes; possible delays could occur if non-essential staff are furloughed.
Veterans’ healthcare facilities remain operational during this period, with hotlines available for assistance and crisis support.
For more information or assistance related to the shutdown’s impact on specific services or benefits, constituents can contact Senator Mullin’s office or follow updates via his official website at https://www.mullin.senate.gov/.
