With Washington’s stalemate now entering its fourth week, the government shutdown continues to affect millions of Americans. During past shutdowns, the economy loses some activity for a few weeks but then gains it back after the government reopens. This time, however, it’s likely to have a more profound and long-lasting economic impact.
For many federal workers, a government shutdown means that they aren’t getting paid. This is especially true for employees deemed non-essential and sent home, such as many attorneys, accountants, and other professional staff who will not receive paychecks until funding resumes. Essential employees (like air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration officers) will continue to work, but without pay. And contractors whose services are directly related to government functions are also not being paid until funding reopens.
The longer the shutdown lasts, the more people will miss paychecks and the harder it will be for families to make ends meet. Many will be unable to afford essential services, including Medicare and Social Security benefits. And businesses will suffer, from the loss of customer confidence to the delay in contract reviews and approvals that are necessary for their daily operations.
Latinos for America First urges Congress to pass a budget that protects Americans’ jobs, safeguards their communities, and restores order. It is time to end this political crisis and put American families and their needs first.