CapitolStrong

A Note to Congressional Staff

November 4, 2025 · By Danielle Stewart

As we head into the second month of the government shutdown, we know these last weeks have been challenging for you and your team. Managing uncertainty about your own paycheck and the day-to-day needs of your office, while fielding calls from constituents who have questions, lots of feedback, and who may also be facing their own challenges, takes a toll.

As former Congressional staffers ourselves, we want you to know that your work matters.

We see you showing up for your team, your constituents, and your boss, even in an environment of uncertainty. When the answers aren't clear and the systems you rely on aren't fully functioning, we want to show up for you.

That’s why POPVOX Foundation, with a dozen partner organizations, relaunched the CapitolStrong website. The updated site includes a resource guide with practical information and tools — both for your own use during the shutdown and for helping constituents who are reaching out to your office.

For district and state staff, we're hosting two informal Zoom sessions where caseworkers and field/outreach staff can come together to share what's working, trade resources, and support each other: These aren't webinars or presentations — just lightly structured space for peer support and practical conversation with colleagues who get what you're dealing with right now.

• Caseworker Shutdown Water Cooler — 1 PM ET, Thursday, Nov 6
• Field and Outreach Shutdown Water Cooler — 1 PM ET, Friday, Nov 7

For DC staff, in the coming weeks, we will plan to host an in-person event with coffee, snacks, and an opportunity to meet our team and share feedback about how we can better support you as you work to support the American people.

We would also appreciate hearing directly from you about what resources would be most helpful during this time. Please click here to share your thoughts (anonymously, if you choose!).

We're thinking of you during this difficult time. Please don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything else we can do to support you.

Danielle Stewart
Advisor for Congressional Initiatives
POPVOX Foundation

Boosting Connections and Community During the Shutdown - From Capitol CNCT

November 3, 2025 · Posted by Danielle Stewart

Founded in 2022 by Congressional staffer David Tennent, Capitol CNCT is a platform for Hill staff to build community, explore networking opportunities and engage in bipartisan discussions.

The resources below may help you connect with fellow staffers facing similar challenges while working on Capitol Hill.

You can learn more about the CNCT platform here.

• CNCT Purple - A bipartisan coffee-matching tool that pairs compatible staffers from opposite parties for casual, one-on-one conversations.
• CNCT Job Board - a place for staffers to find all of the latest relevant political jobs
• CNCT Capitol Spotlight - our professional development podcast that interviews current and former staffers

Roll Call: They went to DC to intern on the Hill. Then came the shutdown

October 31, 2025 · Roll Call, by Nina Heller and Justin Papp, October 29, 2025

Roll Call reported on how the 2025 shutdown put House internships on pause, leaving college students in Washington with weeks of lost Hill experience and offices short-handed during a surge in constituent calls and casework. The piece quotes POPVOX Foundation's Danielle Stewart on the ripple effect furloughed interns have on front office staff.

Read the full article at Roll Call

Staying Ahead During the Government Shutdown

October 30, 2025 · By Danielle Stewart, POPVOX Foundation

I think we can all agree that on Capitol Hill, the spookiest season is often the end of the fiscal year. I can imagine your office is antsy, your constituents are weary and ready for answers, and your boss’ calendar is changing daily. There is no amount of pumpkin spice that could spice up these long weeks on the Hill.

If you are reading this, chances are you have been deemed an excepted employee, and for the past four weeks have continued the daily grind of answering constituent correspondence, communicating with local businesses and advocacy groups, talking to the press, and answering hundreds, if not thousands, of phone calls about government funding. I hope you know that your work is appreciated. You are showing up and doing your job, even when you do not know what tomorrow’s challenges will bring, on a hugely public stage. Even if you get to be “in the room where it happens,” with so much uncertainty still on the horizon, I know this probably feels exhausting!

This Future Proofing Congress newsletter edition is full of tips and tricks to stay ahead of the uncertainty, and lots of ways to use your time wisely when you find yourself with some downtime at your desk. When you do catch a break, it is a good time to stock up on candy, catch up on some reading, and take advantage of a few local shutdown deals. If you are looking to expand your network during these quieter weeks, check out some ideas from the Capitol Spotlight podcast. Hosted by CNCT founder David Tennant, it features current and former staffers, and Members of Congress, sharing their experience, perspectives, and advice on Hill life. Give it a listen here.

When the Pay Stops but the Work Continues: Supporting Hill Staff in a Shutdown

October 30, 2025 · By Danielle Stewart, POPVOX Foundation

It is no secret that Congressional staff work in an unpredictable environment. From late-night votes to canceled district work periods, working in Congress means you learn to go with the flow (even if the flow means canceling weekend plans)! But what many are not prepared for is having to work without pay, being furloughed from your position, or missing a paycheck. Unfortunately, during a government shutdown, that is the reality for thousands of federal employees, including Congressional staff.

During a shutdown, Legislative branch staff are subject to excepted status (being deemed essential to the office but will work without being paid) or furloughed status (being sent home without pay until legislative funding is restored).

While each office manages its own personnel matters, we encourage Members and senior staff in Congressional offices to consider the following examples of how Executive branch agencies are assisting their employees. Learn more here.

Ways to Boost Your Intern Experience During a Government Shutdown

October 30, 2025 · By Danielle Stewart, POPVOX Foundation

With the shutdown about to extend into month two, Congressional interns in DC and in District Offices across the country are on hold. For so many of you, this means missed opportunities to give Capitol tours, learn how to write constituent correspondence, answering phone calls from constituents, attending committee hearings, and connecting with fellow interns and staff to build and grow your professional network. But just because your Congressional internship may be on hold does not mean the learning and networking needs to stop! Check out these tips and helpful resources to help you stay ahead of the curve and ready to return to the office.

Read more.

An Open Letter to Lawmakers, Legislative Staff, and the Capitol Community in Brasilia, Brazil

January 12, 2023 · Posted by Marci Harris

An Open Letter to the Capitol Community in Brasilia, Brazil

Dear Friends,

We in the U.S. civil society community watched with shock and sadness at the events that unfolded in the Brazilian capital on January 8, 2023. The images brought back still fresh memories from January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC.

We write to express our solidarity with those public servants who return to ransacked buildings, those who will be tasked with cleaning up the mess and picking up the pieces — both literally and metaphorically.

CapitolStrong is a coalition of civil society organizations dedicated to strengthening and investing in the institution of the U.S. Congress and the people who serve there. The group formed as a rapid response “potluck” effort in the wake of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol to demonstrate support, share resources, and elevate the needs of Congressional staff and members of the Capitol Hill community. We recognized that in Washington, DC — and in capitals and legislative bodies around the world — public servants rarely speak publicly on their own behalf. Yet an attack of this nature on one’s workplace is a traumatic event that can have repercussions for weeks and months to come.

As you return to work and begin to process the events of January 8, 2023, and the lingering fear and suspicion that such a traumatic occasion brings, we want you to know that our thoughts are with you. We see you. We honor your work and your commitment to your country. And to the extent that our experience or perspective is helpful as you begin the recovery process, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Very sincerely,

#CapitolStrong organizations:

Advocacy Blueprints
Congressional Management Foundation
Demand Progress Education Fund
Pay Our Interns
POPVOX Foundation
Representative Democracy
Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies

Signing in individual capacity:

Lorelei Kelly, Congressional Modernization Research Lead, Georgetown University
Former Representative Brian Baird [WA, 1999–2011]

Carta Aberta a Parlamentares, Assistentes Legislativos e Membros da comunidade do Congresso Nacional Brasileiro

Caros colegas,

Nós, na sociedade civil norte-americana, assistimos aos eventos que ocorreram em Brasília no dia 8 de janeiro de 2023 com choque e tristeza. As imagens trouxeram à tona memórias ainda frescas do que aconteceu em 6 de Janeiro de 2021 em Washington, DC.

Escrevemos para expressar a nossa solidariedade com os servidores públicos que retornaram aos prédios destruídos e com aqueles que farão a limpeza e a reconstrução (literal e metafórica) do Congresso.

A CapitolStrong é uma coalizão de organizações da sociedade civil que busca fortalecer e investir na instituição do Congresso norte-americano e seus funcionários. O grupo se formou em resposta aos ataques ao Capitólio de 6 de janeiro para demonstrar apoio, compartilhar recursos e ressaltar as necessidades dos assistentes legislativos e membros da comunidade legislativa. Nós entendemos que em Washington, DC – e em outras capitais e instituições legislativas pelo mundo – os servidores públicos raramente falam em público sobre o seu trabalho. Entretanto, um ataque dessa natureza constitui um evento traumático que pode ter repercussões por semanas e meses.

Ao retornar ao trabalho e processar os eventos de 8 de janeiro de 2023 (e o medo e a suspeita persistentes que uma ocasião tão traumática traz), queremos que vocês saibam que estamos com vocês. Nós enxergamos vocês. Honramos o seu trabalho e o seu comprometimento com o seu país. Não hesitem em entrar em contato conosco caso a nossa experiência ou a nossa perspectiva for útil ao processo de recuperação de vocês.

Atenciosamente,

#CapitolStrong organizations:

Advocacy Blueprints
Congressional Management Foundation
Demand Progress Education Fund
Pay Our Interns
POPVOX Foundation
Representative Democracy
Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies

Signing in individual capacity:

Lorelei Kelly, Congressional Modernization Research Lead, Georgetown University
Former Representative Brian Baird [WA, 1999–2011]

What Congress Can Learn from Social Workers About Workplace Safety

April 27, 2021 · By Anne Meeker, POPVOX Foundation

As Congressional offices prepare to open to the public for the first time since the pandemic and with the January 6th attack still very much top of mind for many staffers, we turned to the National Association of Social Workers to learn from the experience of social workers.

READ MORE

Capitol Hill staff members serve our country and need our support

January 15, 2021 · By Kristine Simmons, Partnership for Public Service

A former Hill and White House staffer reflects on the mementos of her years in public service and makes the case for supporting the Congressional staff who carried on in the days after January 6.

Read the full piece at the Partnership for Public Service

Managing stress related to political change

November 2, 2020 · From the American Psychological Association

The APA's guidance on coping with political uncertainty, regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum. It draws on the APA's Stress in America survey, which found most Americans cite the nation's future and the political climate as significant sources of stress, and describes the emotional and physical signs of that stress.

Crisis Support and Mental Health Resources

Shutdown Resources for Congressional Staff and Constituents · 2025

Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Call 1-800-273-8255 to be connected to a local crisis center, 24/7.

Warmline

Visit their website for free, confidential peer-support phone lines staffed by trained listeners. Unlike crisis hotlines, warmlines are designed for everyday stress, anxiety, loneliness, or overwhelm.

Empower Work

Text HELLO to 510-674-1414 for free, confidential peer counseling to discuss hardship and talking to counseling providers.

Financial Assistance and Guidance

Shutdown Resources for Congressional Staff and Constituents · 2025

FOR CONGRESSIONAL STAFF (DC and DISTRICT-BASED)

Bank Loans and Assistance

• During government shutdowns, Congressional Federal Credit Unions offer emergency loans and assistance programs:
  • Senate Federal Credit Union offers $5,000 loans with no payments and 0.00% APR for 90 days. They are also currently offering a $300 new member bonus. All Senate employees are eligible for membership and non-Senate employees can become members with a $10 donation.
    • Call: 202-224-2595 or visit: https://www.ussfcu.org/federal-government-shutdown-assistance.html
  • Congressional Federal Credit Union is offering several shutdown resources, including deferred loan payment and a maximum $20,000 line of credit with 0.00% APR during the 60-day draw period. All House employees (district and DC-based) are eligible.
    • Visit: congressionalfcu.org
• Interior Federal Credit Union is providing an Emergency Relief Loan up to $10,000 for 36 months (with a signed furlough letter), plus waived fees on auto-loan skip-a-pays, personal loans, and early certificate withdrawals.
• The Navy Federal Credit Union offers a dedicated furlough loan program for qualified members. There are details available via their FAQ or by calling 1-888-842-6328.
• Chase Bank has announced efforts to help customers impacted by the government shutdown. To discuss potential options, customers should call their special care line at 1-800-254-7713.
• Bank of America announced it would be offering assistance to furloughed federal employees including fee and payment waivers as well as loan deferrals. For your options, contact 800-432-1000 or set up at appointment online.
• PayPal has allocated $25 million for interest-free cash advances to furloughed workers, with loans ranging from $250 to $500 for both new and existing customers whose accounts are in good standing.
• US Employees Credit Union is providing special shutdown loans (available for a limited window). Call 312-922-5310 for assistance.
• Active Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) loans will remain in good standing without payments during a shutdown. Congressional staff can apply for a loan against their TSP accounts.
• For USAA members, $6,000 per-pay-period no-interest loans are available — veterans, active-duty service members, employees or alumni of certain agencies, and their spouses and children are all eligible for membership.
• Many banks offer hardship programs—call your financial institution. Click here to learn more about letters you can provide to financial institutions.

General Financial Assistance and Tips

• Contact utility companies, landlords, and creditors about payment deferment.
  • If you’re concerned about covering upcoming payments, reach out proactively before bills are due. Many providers have hardship programs but may not advertise them widely.
  • When calling, ask specifically about: payment deferment or extension options, waiving late fees, setting up a payment plan, or temporarily reducing minimum payments.
• Contact your bank or credit union if you’re worried about making loan or credit card payments.
  • Many financial institutions offer hardship programs for federal employees during shutdowns. Call and ask specifically about:
    • Payment deferral or forbearance on mortgages, auto loans, or personal loans
    • Waiving late fees or overdraft fees during the shutdown period
    • Temporary reduction of minimum credit card payments
    • Short-term loan programs or lines of credit
  • Click here to access template letters you can provide to your office to customize for your team documenting your status as a furloughed or excepted federal employee.
• MoneyFinder by WorkMoney is a free tool available through the Public Service Alliance (PSA) marketplace that helps you identify cost-saving opportunities across everyday expenses, like gas, groceries, prescriptions, dining out, and supports reducing debt.
• LifeMart is a members-only discount platform available through the Public Service Alliance that gives access to savings on numerous brand-name products and services, travel, electronics, home & auto, wellness, dining and more.

Mortgage and Rental Assistance

• U.S. Bank: They are waiving all late fees if you miss a mortgage payment due to shutdown related setbacks, and defer first payment dates for new mortgages.
• Union Plus: Union members can call 800-472-2005 to learn about available assistance programs. These include a $300 Furlough Grant for eligible Union Plus credit card holders, a Mortgage Assistance Loan and $300 Grant, and payment grace periods for Union Plus Life & Accident Insurance and Union Plus Auto Insurance.
• The Office of Personnel Management (OPM): OPM provides ready-to-use sample letters that federal workers can send to landlords, mortgage lenders, and utility companies to request flexibility or temporary assistance during the shutdown.
• National Rental Home Council (NHRC): NHRC is offering deferred rent payment options with no late fees for renters affected by the shutdown. Furloughed tenants can request temporary relief to help maintain housing stability during this period.

Auto Loans

• Toyota Financial Services & Lexus Financial Services: Customers in good standing may qualify for up to two months of payment extensions or deferred lease payments during the shutdown.
  • Toyota Financial Services: 800-874-8822
  • Lexus Financial Services: 800-874-7050
• Hyundai Capital: Hyundai will extend auto loan and lease payments for 30 days for furloughed federal employees. Eligible customers can request assistance by calling the number below.
  • Hyundai Motor Finance: 1-800-523-4030
• Kia Motors Finance: Kia is offering 30-day deferred payments for customers affected by the shutdown.
  • Kia Motors Finance: 1-866-331-5632
• Ford Credit, GM Financial, & Mercedes-Benz Financial Services: While not formally announced online, these companies are reportedly providing individualized support, such as payment deferrals, late fee waivers, and dedicated care lines, for qualified customers impacted by the shutdown.

Cellphone/Service Provider Loans

• AT&T: Providing support to furloughed customers through late-fee adjustments, billing extensions, and revised payment schedules.
• Sprint: Offering short-term payment solutions for affected customers. For assistance, call 1-888-211-4747.
• T-Mobile: Providing short-term relief options, including the ability to spread out service payments over time. Contact 1-877-746-0909 or dial 611 from a T-Mobile device.
• Verizon: Offering flexible payment arrangements, including its Promise to Pay program, which allows customers to schedule payments for a future date. Call 1-866-266-1445 for support.

My Fed Benefits Shutdown Assistance Map

• The Shutdown Assistance Map (SAM) was created to help federal employees affected by the government shutdown find the support they need, both locally and at the national level.

FOR DISTRICT-BASED STAFF

State-by-State Unemployment Insurance (UI) Guidance

• Find your state UI office to learn about eligibility and how to apply, if applicable.
  • Additional UI office locators:
    • The Department of Labor has a page breaking down the state-by-state office information for UI. They break down office phone numbers and websites, and include information on the eligibility process and a plan for how to apply.
    • AFL-CIO has a reference sheet breaking down the eligibility for UI Federal workers, lists of resources including food assistance, national resources, pending legislation information, state-by-state breakdowns.

Food and Emergency Services

Shutdown Resources for Congressional Staff and Constituents · 2025

NATIONWIDE

• The Feeding America network provides a searchable map of local food banks across the U.S.
• AARP’s local assistance directory is a useful tool for finding assistance, food pantries, and other resources where you live.

DC REGION

• Capital Area Food Bank is hosting additional food distribution sites for federal workers at locations throughout the DC region.
• DC Central Kitchen will be extending its 50 percent discount for any impacted federal workers or contractors visiting any of its three D.C. Central Kitchen Café locations.
• Discounts and deals available for federal workers during the shutdown, compiled by Washington.org.
• World Central Kitchen in DC is providing free meals to federal workers and their families every weekday at the locations listed here.
• Martha’s Table Joyful Food Markets are held monthly at participating schools and community centers in DC’s Wards 7 and 8.
• Greater DC Diaper Bank partners with local organizations to provide diapers to families in need.

Helpful Resources for Constituents

Shutdown Resources for Congressional Staff and Constituents · 2025

FOR ALL CONSTITUENTS

SNAP and Food Access (via Propel + Instacart)

• Propel, the team behind the Providers app, has launched an emergency support program through an Instacart partnership for eligible users and those affected by SNAP access. Constituents can check their benefit status and access these supports through the program page.

Feeding America - Local Food Bank Finder

• If you are in need of immediate access to food assistance, the Feeding America network provides a searchable map of local food banks across the U.S. Offices can share this resource widely so people know where to go for help with groceries or emergency food support.

USAFacts

• USAFacts offers a clear, nonpartisan overview of what a government shutdown is, how it happens, and what key terms, like “appropriations,” “continuing resolution,” and “essential vs. nonessential services”, actually mean.
• Their explainers outline what funding decisions Congress was considering before the shutdown and place current events in context by reviewing how past shutdowns unfolded. These resources are designed to help staff and constituents understand the process in straightforward, accessible language.

Encourage Caution of Potential Scams

• During a government shutdown, scammers often ramp up attempts to exploit uncertainty, posing as agencies, offering fake “assistance,” or requesting personal data. The Identity Theft Resource Center provides guidance on recognizing shutdown-related fraud, avoiding phishing and spoofed communications, and taking steps to report suspicious activity.
• This article from TurnTo10 outlines how scammers are using federal shutdown headlines to prey on individuals, posing fake benefit-offers, bogus refunds, and phishing schemes. It also offers practical advice on how to stay safe: verify communications, use secure portals, and report suspicious activity promptly.

FOR FURLOUGHED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

• NMCRS provides financial and emergency assistance to eligible Sailors, Marines, and their families. During a shutdown, they offer interest-free loans and grants to help cover essentials like housing, utilities, and daily living costs.

FedSupport Resource Library

• FedSupport offers a centralized set of tools, guides, and webinars to help federal employees navigate uncertainty during a shutdown, including financial resources and career support.

Partnership for Public Service - Shutdown Hub

• A nonpartisan guide explaining what happens during a shutdown, how it affects federal employees, and what steps workers can take to prepare and stay informed.

Know Your Rights

Shutdown Resources for Congressional Staff and Constituents · 2025

Even during a government shutdown, your workplace protections continue. You have rights under the Congressional Accountability Act (CAA), enforced by the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR).

You are protected against retaliation for:

• Discussing pay or working conditions during the shutdown.
• Raising safety concerns
• Filing workplace complaints
• Speaking with OCWR advisors

Useful Resources

• Capitol Hill Workplace Rights Quick Guide
• Office of Congressional Workplaces Rights

Professional Development Resources

Shutdown Resources for Congressional Staff and Constituents · 2025

Interview Tips When You’re Ready to Move from Public Service

• FedsForward has quick tips on how to frame your government experience in an interview in the private sector. While the tips are mostly focused on Exec-branch employees, they would also translate to legislative branch experience.

Boost Your AI Skills in the Workplace

• POPVOX Foundation’s AI Field Guide is full of new generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) prompts and use cases to explore — designed for every type of staffer.
• Innovate.US has multiple trainings available to departing federal employees, including legislative branch employees. Check out this session on using AI tools to strengthen writing skills.

HillClimbers

• House staff with a mail.house.gov email address are eligible for a free House Staffer Pass to hillclimbers.org. This membership includes full access to job postings and salary information for one role, allowing you to compare your compensation with peers. If you cannot access your House email to verify your account during signup, email support@hillclimbers.org to have the verification step waived.

Capitol CNCT

• Designed by a Congressional staffer, Capitol CNCT is a platform for Congressional staff to build community, explore networking opportunities and engage in bipartisan discussions. These resources may help you connect with fellow staffers facing similar challenges while working on Capitol Hill.

House and Senate Employee Assistance

Shutdown Resources for Congressional Staff and Constituents · 2025

The Senate Employee Assistance Program and the House Office of Employee Assistance have many resources for supporting health and well being, including counseling, LifeCare, mindfulness apps, and online/recorded training

House Office of Employee Assistance

202-225-2400
employee.assistance@mail.house.gov

Senate Employee Assistance Program

202-224-3902
http://webster.senate.gov/eap/