Federal Lobbyists Brief Will County on Government Shutdown, Warn of SNAP and TSA Disruptions

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Legislative Committee for November 4, 2025

Article Summary: Will County’s federal lobbyists reported that the ongoing government shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history, is creating uncertainty for SNAP benefits and could threaten TSA agent pay during the busy Thanksgiving travel season. A potential deal is reportedly forming in the Senate to pass a short-term funding bill to reopen the government.

Federal Shutdown Update Key Points:

• As of November 4, the federal government shutdown had reached day 35, the longest in history.

• A potential Senate deal would fund the government for a short term while guaranteeing a future vote on Affordable Care Act subsidies.

• The White House has sent mixed signals on its plan to fund SNAP benefits during the shutdown following a court order.

• Concerns are rising that TSA agents will not be paid during the peak Thanksgiving travel period.

With the federal government shutdown entering its 35th day, Will County’s federal lobbyists on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, briefed the Legislative Committee on the stalemate in Washington D.C. and its potential impacts on local residents.

John Bear of Smith Garson, the county’s lobbying firm, reported that the shutdown was set to become the longest in U.S. history and that significant movement was finally happening in the Senate to find a resolution. He described a potential three-part bill being formulated that would pass a short-term government funding extension, guarantee a future vote on Affordable Care Act subsidies, and include a smaller package of deals on military construction and agriculture.

“The majority leader John Thune has indicated that they see an offramp,” Bear said. “There’s a good chance that they’re going to see that through.”

Meanwhile, critical services are facing uncertainty. Bear noted that while a district court ruled the Trump administration must pay Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the White House has sent conflicting messages about its willingness and ability to do so. After indicating it would use an emergency fund, the President posted on social media that he did not want to pay the benefits until the government is open.

Bear also highlighted concerns from the TSA that agents might not be paid during the busy Thanksgiving travel season, which could affect airport operations.

Lobbyist Brett added that the shutdown is causing delays in major legislative work, including surface transportation and farm bills, because congressional committees rely on technical experts at federal agencies who are currently furloughed.