Mayor Bowser Reminds Residents and Visitors: DC Is Open During Federal Shutdown

(Washington, DC) Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser reaffirmed her commitment to keeping the District Government fully operational regardless of the federal government shutdown that began at midnight on Tuesday, October 1.

"A federal government shutdown will not shut down the DC Government," said Mayor Bowser. "DC will remain open, our students will be in class, our parks will be clean, our streets will be safe, and we will continue to function as a world-class city no matter what happens in Congress."

Currently, no service changes or lapses in benefits are expected; however, that may change depending on future guidance issued from the federal Office of Management and Budget. District Government agencies that provide critical social services to residents will inform their clients of any operational changes during the shutdown.

Furloughed workers impacted by the shutdown can file for unemployment insurance benefits through the Department of Employment Services (DOES). Initial claims can be filed online at dcnetworks.org. Visit does.dc.gov for more information.

Through the DC Department of Human Services, current customers will be issued their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), and Medicaid benefits for October. If funding is not restored quickly, the District will notify current customers and new applicants of any potential impacts to their benefit payments. Residents who have specific questions are encouraged to contact the ESA Call Center at 202-727-5355.

Thus, for time being, residents who depend on federally-supported benefits for medical care, food, and other critical services can and should continue to see their doctors, take their medicines, and buy groceries.

Mayor Bowser X: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Instagram: @Mayor_Bowser
Mayor Bowser Bluesky: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Facebook: facebook.com/MayorMurielBowser
Mayor Bowser YouTube: https://www.bit.ly/eomvideos
Mayor Bowser LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mayorbowser