Shutdown Leaves Small Businesses Waiting

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

“Small business owners—the backbone of the American economy—are once again paying the price for Washington’s dysfunction. Because of the government shutdown, the Small Business Administration (SBA) cannot accept, review, or approve new business loans. That means entrepreneurs can’t access the capital they need to expand operations, hire workers, or open their doors. Every day this shutdown drags on, more dreams are delayed, payrolls are frozen, and opportunities are lost.

While Americans—especially small business owners—struggle to access essential resources during this shutdown, some lawmakers are using the crisis to demand taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants, a benefit not even guaranteed to the citizens who foot the bill.

It’s unconscionable that the very people who create jobs and drive innovation are being punished while liberals in Congress prioritize those who broke our immigration laws.

America’s small businesses deserve better than to be treated as collateral damage in a political stunt. These radicals in Congress must stop the games, reopen the government, and put American entrepreneurs first.”