Shutdown Continues

We are wrapping up the first full week of the federal government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to reach an agreement on a funding measure. While your Congressional Office remains open and available to you in both the district offices in the Marianas and in Washington, the impacts on our ability to do this critical work are becoming apparent. During a lapse in funding, employees who are designated non-critical are prohibited from performing their duties. This affects everything from major federal responsibilities, such as processing foreign labor certifications and federal court cases, to simple, everyday tasks like responding to an email. Some essential functions are thankfully continuing. Social Security and Medicare recipients, along with beneficiaries of the CNMI Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, will see no disruption. However, if the shutdown continues, active-duty military personnel and federal officials serving on the frontlines of public safety could face delays in receiving their paychecks. I am in Washington monitoring developments closely and continuing to advocate for the Marianas, ensuring our needs and concerns remain part of the national conversation as this shutdown continues.