{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases/office-congressman-michael-guest-open", "The Office of Congressman Michael Guest is OPEN", "2025-10-09", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "MS", "Michael Guest", "G000591", "guest.house.gov", "guest", "https://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - As of October 1, federal funding has lapsed and the government has entered a shutdown. On September 19, Congressman Guest voted for, and the House passed, a clean funding extension through November 21, but the Senate has failed to act. As a result, many agencies are operating at reduced capacity, while core programs required by law continue.\n\nWhat This Means for Fellow Mississippians\n\nSocial Security, Medicare and Veterans\u2019 Benefits\n\nSocial Security payments will still be issued. Retirees, survivors and those with disability benefits will continue to receive payments.\n\nMedicare and Medicaid services will continue, though some support functions may experience delays. Our office can help connect you with the appropriate agency staff if you run into difficulty.\n\nVeterans\u2019 health care and disability compensation remain funded and will continue without interruption. Some VA services have been impacted.\n\nMail Delivery\n\nThe U.S. Postal Service will continue mail delivery, postage and post office services as usual.\n\nFederal Agencies and Services\n\nAir travel: TSA and air traffic controllers continue working, though wait times may be longer.\n\nNational Parks and museums: National Parks will remain open, access to some museums may be closed or limited, and some services will be impacted.\n\nSmall Business Administration loans, USDA services, and certain federal grants: Processing may pause or slow down. Our office can provide updates and help you explore temporary state or local resources.\n\nCommunity and Economic Impacts\n\nFederal employees: Furloughed workers may face delayed paychecks. Employees may qualify for temporary support in the meantime at mdes.ms.gov.\n\nPassports, visas, and federal permits: Processing may slow or stop. Our office can advise on urgent travel needs and help track pending applications.\n\nFederal contractors: Payments may be delayed. Contractors should check with their employers about contingency planning.\n\nFlood Insurance & Home Closings\n\nNational Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): During a government shutdown, NFIP-administered by FEMA, cannot sell new or renewal insurance policies. However, existing NFIP policies will remain in effect until their expiration dates, and claims will continue to be paid until the funds are depleted.\n\nCasework help: If you encounter problems during the shutdown, our office can help connect you with the appropriate federal contacts.\n\nStaying Informed\n\nAs always, our office remains open to serve constituents. If you need assistance with Social Security, Medicare, Veterans\u2019 services or any other federal agency, please contact us at (769) 241-6120.\n\nWhile we cannot expedite agency processing during a funding lapse, our office is here to help navigate available options, and keep you informed of updates as the situation develops.\n\nFor more information or to sign up for my e-newsletter, please visit my website at guest.house.gov.\n\nCongressman Michael Guest represents Mississippi's Third Congressional District. Currently serving his fourth term, Congressman Guest is the Chairman of the Border Security and Enforcement Subcommittee of the Committee on Homeland Security and is also a member of the House Appropriations Committee.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:31:14Z"]], "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://guest.house.gov/media/press-releases/office-congressman-michael-guest-open"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.5737339854240417, "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"}