As of 12:01 a.m. on October 1, funding for many federal government operations has lapsed. I supported a package passed by the House that would extend current funding until November 21, 2025, but the proposal did not pass the Senate.
Despite the shutdown, my office is here to help residents of Nebraska's 2nd District with issues they are facing with federal agencies. While many federal agencies may have slower response times and minimal staffing, we can still submit requests and advocate on your behalf. You can submit casework requests on our website here.
I am also committed to keeping you informed about how the shutdown may or may not affect you. Many essential services, like Social Security payments, will still be provided as Congress works toward a solution. Federal agencies closing operations are still working on their shutdown plans.
The U.S. Congress must pass annual appropriations measures in order to fund federal government agencies by October 1. On September 19, I supported a measure that passed the House of Representatives extending current federal funding until November 21 while we finish our work for the full fiscal year. This was a clean, straightforward extension of existing funding without extraneous policy.
Unfortunately this proposal did not pass the Senate, as Senate Democrats blocked the measure and shutdown and shut down the government. This means that many federal agencies do not currently have the authority to operate. Other programs deemed essential are allowed by law to continue.
What kinds of services will continue?
While the programs listed below will continue, the agencies responsible for administering them may see reduced workforces impacting operations. This is not a comprehensive list as we are continuing to gather information.
Social Security payments, including SSI benefits
Medicare and Medicaid benefits
VA medical care and benefits (although some regional offices may be closed)
SNAP benefits (although a prolonged shutdown could create disruptions)
Disability payments
Mail delivery
Federal law enforcement and military operations
Air travel
Federal employee retirement payments
Student aid such as Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans
Visits to national Smithsonian Museums (until at least Monday, October 6)
Visa and passport services (although longer wait times are possible)
Resources for Federal Employees
As agencies shut down, federal employees will either be furloughed, or in some cases required to work without pay. Under federal law, employees are entitled to back pay upon the government reopening.
For agency-specific details, visit your department’s .gov site (e.g., www.dhs.gov, www.va.gov) and check their HR or shutdown resource pages.
***
Get urgent and essential alerts from local storm relief and advisories to national health updates and international notices. Key information for Nebraska constituents is organized below by region.
District Alerts
No updates.
For information about emergency preparedness, response, and recovery resources, visit your local government website below:
To help you prepare, respond, and recover from disasters—including recovery centers, flood maps, fact sheets, FEMA contacts, jobs, and other resources in Nebraska provided by FEMA—visit FEMA’s website here: https://www.fema.gov/locations/nebraska#declared-disasters
To explore job opportunities, career resources, and employment services across Nebraska, visit NEworks, the state's official job search platform: https://neworks.nebraska.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx
Updated to reflect the current security situation in Israel.
On June 14, the Department of State authorized the voluntary departure of family members and non-emergency U.S. government employees due to the volatile and unpredictable security situation in the region.
In response to security incidents and without advance notice, the U.S. Embassy may further restrict or prohibit U.S. government employees and their family members from traveling to certain areas of Israel, the Old City of Jerusalem, and the West Bank.
Reconsider Travel To:
Israel due to terrorism and civil unrest
West Bankdue to terrorism and civil unrest
Do Not Travel To:
Gaza due to terrorism and armed conflict and within 11.3 km/7 miles of the Gaza Periphery
Northern Israel within 4 kilometers/2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders due to continued military presence and activity
The Egyptian border within 2.4km/1.5 miles, except for the Taba crossing, which is open
Country Summary: Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. The security environment is complex and can change quickly, and violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning. Increased regional tensions can cause airlines to cancel and/or curtail flights into and out of Israel.
Some areas have increased risk. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
Check the most recent Alerts at the Embassy website for the latest information on travel in all of these areas.
Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all times, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces.
Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
Follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials.
Beware of and report suspicious activities, including unattended items, to local police.
Learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter. Download the Home Front Command Red Alert application or similar apps for mobile devices (available on devices within Israel) to receive real time alerts for rocket and missile attacks and armed UAV intrusions. U.S. government employees in Israel are encouraged to use these apps.
Obtain comprehensive travel medical insurance that includes medical evacuation prior to travel. Most travel insurance packages do not cover mental health related illnesses/care.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
When traveling in rural areas, exercise caution given the possibility of unexploded ordnance.
Israel – Reconsider Travel (see below for additional information regarding areas near the Lebanese and Syrian borders)
Reconsider travel due to terrorism, and civil unrest.
The security situation in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is unpredictable, and U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire and armed UAV intrusions and missiles, can take place without warning.
U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from personal travel to the following locations:
Within 11.3 kilometers/seven miles of the Gaza demarcation line; and
Northern Israel within 4 kilometers/2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian border due to continued military presence and activity
Any official travel of U.S. government personnel within these areas requires approval from the Embassy’s security office.
Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.
Northern Israel (within 4 kilometers/2.5 miles of Lebanese and Syrian borders) – Do Not Travel
The Israeli authorities restrict travel to areas close to the border given the Israeli Defense Forces continued presence and activity. Do not travel to this area for any reason.
Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Israel are currently restricted from personal travel within 4 kilometers/2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders. Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Israel must obtain special authorization to travel close to these borders.
The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that U.S. citizens not travel within 4 kilometers/2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders.
West Bank – Reconsider Travel
Reconsider Travel due to terrorism and civil unrest.
Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Israel must obtain special authorization travel to the West Bank. U.S. government employees are currently restricted from all personal travel to the West Bank, except:
U.S. government employees can use Routes 1, 90, and 443 at any time.
U.S. government employees are permitted personal daylight travel to Jericho and Bethlehem, including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour. Given continued closures of checkpoints throughout the West Bank, the only permitted and accessible route into Bethlehem for U.S. government employees and their family members is through Checkpoint 300 near Rachel’s Tomb.
Over the past several months, there has been an increase in violence, Israeli military operations, and terrorist attacks. Some incidents have resulted in injury or death of U.S. citizens. During periods of unrest, the Israeli government may restrict access to and within the West Bank, and some areas may be placed under curfew.
Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees working in Israel with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.
Do not travel for any reason due to terrorism and armed conflict.
The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there. The security environment within Gaza and on its borders is extremely dangerous and volatile. The pedestrian crossing between Gaza and Israel (Erez Crossing) was damaged on October 7, 2023, and remains closed. The pedestrian crossing between Egypt and Gaza (Rafah Crossing) has been closed since May 7, 2024, and remains closed to the general public.
If a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) desires our assistance and has not already provided their information to the Department of State, please email U.S. Embassy Jerusalem at JerusalemACS@state.gov.
Be prepared for an indefinite stay as the crossings between Gaza with Israel and Egypt can close without advance notice and for long periods during times of unrest and armed conflict. This includes having food, supplies, and medicine for an extended or indefinite period.
Have a plan for entering and departing Gaza that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
If you use assistive or medical devices that require a power supply, be sure to find backup power or other ways that will sustain your device or equipment without access to power.
Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
Please be sure to visit our website for Crisis and Disaster Abroad: Be Ready for information that may be helpful.
