Byron Donalds promises his office will remain open even as federal government shuts down

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds made clear his office will remain open even as the federal government shuts down^[1]. But some services will be impacted.

“My team and I will be hard at work throughout this shutdown. This year, we have responded to tens of thousands of messages, emails, and phone calls, and this core facet of our operation will remain unchanged,” the Naples Republican said.

“We have also helped Southwest Florida residents reclaim hundreds of thousands of dollars owed to them by federal agencies. During this shutdown, we will proceed undeterred and steadfast in our commitment to best serve the people of Southwest Florida.”

The shutdown affects federal agencies, not legislative staff. But Donalds’ Office said certain case work will require interactions with executive branch operations, and much of that work will be delayed.

The Office cannot process flag orders or arrange tours for visitors to Washington, but Donalds said his own office will remain open.

Donalds reminded people that the Transportation Security Administration^[2], whether at Southwest International Airport or elsewhere, remains open and unaffected by the shutdown. The same goes for Air Traffic Control.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency^[3] will also stay open, and Donalds will help connect with any emergency funding if need be. His Office noted that work is funded by a Disaster Relief Fund, so revenue source isn’t a problem. Any agency staff there are considered essential and will continue to be paid and working.

But passport processing could be slowed, at a time when there are already backlogs^[4]. There are typically six- to eight-week waits on passports in non-shutdown conditions, and Donalds’ Office said to expect delays.

Social Security payments will still be sent on time, even if claims for disability and benefit verification experience delays. The Post Office will remain open, Donalds said, as will all Veterans Affairs facilities.