Shutdown Costs Americans Jobs, Services, and Economic Security

Washington, D.C. — Today, the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) issued the following statement from Jill Homan, Deputy Director of Trade & Economy Policy and Campaign Director, regarding the ongoing government shutdown:

“Americans pay the price in a government shutdown. Every week during this shutdown, the U.S. economy loses an estimated $15 billion in GDP, and a monthlong shutdown leads to an additional 43,000 unemployed people during that time. That’s not just a number on paper — it means critical work isn’t getting done. From processing veterans’ benefits and small business loans to keeping court cases moving, every day the government stays closed means slower services, longer delays, and growing costs for taxpayers.

This shutdown is especially frustrating for hardworking Americans forced to bear the costs while radical leftists in Congress push for providing taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal aliens—a “free” benefit that American citizens are not guaranteed. Providing ‘free’ healthcare for illegals not only misallocates taxpayer dollars, but may increase costs for Americans trying to access medical care.

Moreover, the government shutdown puts future federal interest rate cuts in jeopardy by delaying economic data necessary for the Federal Reserve to make decisions. Meanwhile, Americans are suffering in today’s high-interest rate environment.

This shutdown is a reckless political stunt that puts the American economy and hardworking families at risk. About 65% of Americans say the Left should not have shut down the government, according to a New York Times poll. It’s time for the Left to end the games, reopen the government, and prioritize Americans—not their own political agendas.”