{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1480", "Government Shutdown Information", "2025-10-09", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "MI", "Jack Bergman", "B001301", "bergman.house.gov", "bergman", "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Friends,\n\nAs you know, a government shutdown began on Wednesday, October 1, after the Senate failed to pass legislation to keep the federal government funded.\n\nLast month, I voted for a bipartisan continuing resolution that would have prevented this shutdown and extended government funding through November 21. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats blocked a straightforward measure.\n\nThe American people deserve better than political games that disrupt critical services and create unnecessary uncertainty for families, Veterans, and small businesses. My focus remains on restoring common sense and fiscal responsibility in Washington so we can fund the government, support our Servicemembers, and deliver real results for Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.\n\nMy Offices\n\nOur offices have been \u2014 and will continue \u2014 working throughout the shutdown to assist constituents with any issues they may be facing.\n\nIf you\u2019re having trouble with a federal agency, please call 231-944-7633. My team will help you complete the necessary paperwork so your case can be filed and processed as soon as operations resume.\n\nWhile our Washington, D.C. office remains open to visitors, we are unfortunately unable to schedule tours or process flag requests during the shutdown.\n\nAgency Operations\n\nSocial Security\n\nBenefits will continue to be distributed. However, processing for benefit verifications or disability claims may be delayed.\n\nMedicare and Medicaid\n\nPrograms under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will continue operating as normal.\n\nDepartment of Veterans Affairs (VA)\n\nAll VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers remain open.\n\nBenefits such as compensation, pensions, education, and housing assistance will continue to be processed.\n\nThe VA Contact Center: 1-800-MyVA411\n\nThe Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 (available 24/7)\n\nSome VA services will be affected, including regional benefits offices, the GI Bill hotline, and career counseling.\n\nU.S. Postal Service\n\nMail delivery will not be interrupted.\n\nFarm Service Agency (FSA)\n\nThe FSA will continue servicing farm loans and emergency loans, though some processing may be slower than usual.\n\nTransportation Security Administration (TSA)\n\nTSA operations continue, but travelers may face longer wait times. If flying, arrive early to ensure timely screening.\n\nPassports and Consular Services\n\nRoutine passport processing (currently 4\u20136 weeks) may take longer during the shutdown.\n\nIf you plan to travel internationally, start your passport renewal or application now.\n\nIf you are abroad, U.S. consular services remain open.\n\nIf you have any questions or need assistance, please don\u2019t hesitate to reach out to my office.\n\nMy team and I remain committed to serving you throughout this shutdown and to working toward a swift, responsible resolution.\n\nRespectfully,\n\nRep. Jack Bergman", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1480"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.6980571672320366, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}