Newsletter: The Federal Government Shuts Down

The Federal Government Shuts Down

Despite the House passing a clean Continuing Resolution (CR) that would have kept the government open through November 21st, the CR failed to reach the 60-vote threshold in the Senate. As of October 1st, at midnight, funding for this fiscal year has run out, and the federal government has entered a shutdown.

While many federal operations have paused during this time, my D.C. and district offices have remained open. They are available to assist you and your family. For constituent services, please contact either my Corpus Christi office at 361-884-2222 or the Victoria office at 361-894-6446, and they will be happy to assist you in navigating the federal bureaucracy. If you would like to share your thoughts on this matter or any other pieces of legislation, my D.C. office can be reached at 202-225-7742.

What the federal government shutdown means for key federal operations:

• Social Security, Medicare, and Retirement Benefits
  • Current recipients will continue to receive Social Security, Medicare, and retirement benefits. Due to the shutdown, delays in customer service or processing may occur.
• Mail Delivery
  • All mail delivery will continue, and all U.S. post offices will remain open, as Congress does not fund the Postal Service.
• National Parks
  • The Department of the Interior has stated that parks are expected to remain open. However, some areas, like visitor centers, may be temporarily closed or unstaffed. Park roads, lookouts, trails, and open-air memorials will stay open.
• Monuments and Museums in Washington, D.C.
  • The Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo will use prior-year funds to remain open to the public during the federal government shutdown at least through Saturday, October 11th.
  • The Capitol Visitor Center and the White House will both be closed for tours. Unfortunately, this means our office will also be unable to offer staff-led Capitol Tours due to House shutdown rules.
• Commercial Air Travel
  • TSA, FAA, and CBP agents will continue working to maintain safe and dependable travel across the country. Though hiring and training in these agencies may be put on hold, this may cause delays.
  • Passport applications and visa services should continue to be processed.
• Active-Duty Military and Veterans
  • VA healthcare services, facilities, and clinics will remain operational.
  • Active-duty troops and National Guard members will continue their duties.

My greatest concern during any government shutdown is how it affects our military families. This is why I cosponsored the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 to ensure that the men and women in uniform aren’t used as political leverage in future shutdowns.

We are committed to keeping you informed on how the shutdown may or may not affect you. Additionally, I am first a resident of the 27th district of Texas, and while many of my fellow public servants at home go without pay during the government shutdown, I will do the same.

For more specific questions regarding federal operations at this time, click here.

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American Families Month

Last month, I introduced a resolution to call for the month of July to be recognized as “American Families Month,” a national observance, to highlight the foundational role the traditional family plays in American life.

Research has consistently shown that strong families are among the greatest predictors of positive outcomes for children and long-term societal well-being:

• Children raised in families with married parents are more likely to graduate high school, attend college, and perform better academically.
• Youth raised in stable two-parent families are less likely to experience behavioral problems, depression, and substance abuse.
• Communities with a higher share of two-parent families tend to have lower crime rates and safer neighborhoods.

As families across the country face increasing challenges, designating July the most patriotic month of the year as “American Families Month” encourages a renewed commitment to the values of faithfulness, care, and shared responsibility.

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Celebrating the City of Gonzales

Last week, we celebrated 200 years of the historic city of Gonzales, Texas, and remembered the 190th anniversary of the Battle of Gonzales, a pivotal moment in our great state’s history.

In 1825, Gonzales was founded and named after Governor Rafael Gonzales of Coahuila and Texas. The settlement was briefly abandoned and later rediscovered in 1832 by Byrd Lockhart. It has since grown into a cornerstone of Texas’ enduring history.

Ten years after the city’s founding on October 2nd, 1835, roughly 150 Texans stood their ground and refused to surrender a cannon given to them to defend their settlement. This battle was the first military engagement of the Texas Revolution and resulted in a victory for the Texan settlers, who held firm against the Mexican Government. This battle launched the fight that established the Texas we call home today. The bravery shown by the settlers of Gonzales continues to inspire us today.

In response to the battle, the “Come and Take It” flag was created and is a symbol of Texan resilience—then, now, and always. The spirit of Gonzales endures in generations of Texans who continue to cherish freedom and the rights bestowed upon them by God.

God Bless,

Michael Cloud
Member of Congress