Government Shutdown

Since December 22nd, the government has been partially shut down. So how does this effect you in Central Texas? Georgetown Chamber President and CEO, Jim Johnson recently reached out to Congressman John Carter to obtain some clarification on the shutdown and how it is impacting the business community in Georgetown. Below are comments provided by the congressman’s office staff.

Jim Johnson: What federal services within the district are closed?

Office of Congressman John Carter:

As this is a partial shutdown, 75% of government services remain open at full operation status, including the VA, defense operations, legislative offices, postal services, federal courts, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, and passport services. While the federal government doesn’t have a significant presence in TX-31, services that are impacted in our area include, the USDA office in Temple, TX, FAA safety professionals at local airports (does not include Air Traffic Control), and any of our local businesses that have government contracts with shutdown agencies. Social security checks and Medicare services are continuing. While staffing at the IRS is reduced, the White House indicates that refunds will still be processed. Currently, nutrition assistance programs (SNAP) will not be impacted by the shutdown.

Jim Johnson: How does this impact all of our active military at Ft. Hood and veterans within Georgetown?

Office of Congressman John Carter:

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Military Construction, and Defense funding bills were all passed last year and these areas of the government are not impacted by the shutdown. Ft. Hood soldiers are still receiving pay, veterans are still receiving benefits and care, and military construction projects are still underway.

Jim Johnson: Does Congressman Carter have an official statement on the issue?

Congressman John Carter:

“Government shutdowns are never good, but the issue dividing congressional Democrats and the President is worth fighting for, especially for Texas. Texas is at the front lines of the border security debate and we understand how costly and dangerous a porous border can be for Texans. While a wall does not make sense along the entire southern border, it is beneficial in certain areas to slow down illegal border crossings and assist Border Patrol Agents with apprehension. As the former chairman of Homeland Security funding, I’ve spent a lot of time at the southern border, and our agents need help. Physical wall infrastructure coupled with technology can help slow individuals down and give agents enough time to get to the location for apprehension.”

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