Democrat Government Shutdown Means Seniors, Veterans, and Families Pay the Price

WASHINGTON - The reckless, Democrat-led government shutdown will hurt working families, seniors, veterans, and law enforcement. House Republicans passed a clean, responsible continuing resolution to keep the government open nearly two weeks ago. But Washington Democrats, caving to the demands of their radical base to shut down, are putting politics first - and forcing everyday Americans to pay the price.

Economic Damage That Never Comes Back

• Congressional Budget Office: The last major government shutdown reduced economic output by $11 billion - $3 billion was permanently lost.
• Moody's Analytics: Each week of a shutdown shaves 0.1 percentage point off GDP growth.

Seniors and Families Put at Risk

• Association of Mature American Citizens: "A government shutdown would jeopardize critical services that seniors rely on, from Social Security offices and Medicare assistance to veterans' benefits and health programs."
• Real Clear Politics: "A lapse in funding will seriously jeopardize critical programs that grocers and their customers rely on - including SNAP and WIC - which will have limited funding and threaten food access for millions of low-income Americans should a shutdown occur."

Law Enforcement and Public Safety Undermined

• National Association of Police Organizations: "[I]f lawmakers neglect their constitutional duties, allow funding to run out and shut down the government, federal law enforcement officers, who are working to protect our cities and communities from violent crime, drugs, and guns, will be putting their lives on the line without getting paid."
• National Fraternal Order of Police: "The Senate's rejection will cause major disruptions for programs that fund public safety efforts in our communities. Government officials throughout the U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security won't be able to man their posts and provide support for operations in the field."
• Council of Local Prisons: "Every day a shutdown continues, correctional staff are asked to risk their lives without pay, institutions operate under mounting strain, and the American people are put at greater risk. The cost of inaction far outweighs any perceived political gain."
• National Border Patrol Council: "A government shutdown means we go without mission-critical funding for patrol vehicles, roads, radios, infrastructure and agent pay."

Veterans Benefits Hurt

• American Legion: "This legislation ensures continuity for programs that are vital to veterans' health care, housing, and benefits. By extending authorities for critical initiatives… Congress will protect lifelines that combat veteran suicide, expand access to mental health in rural communities, and prevent veteran homelessness."

Travel Chaos for Americans

• U.S. Travel Association: A shutdown is a wholly preventable blow to America's travel economy - costing $1 billion every week - and affecting millions of travelers and businesses.
• U.S. Travel: A shutdown worsens TSA and air traffic controller shortages, leading to longer airport security lines, flight delays, and cancellations.
• U.S. Travel: National Parks, museums, and attractions will close or fall into disrepair, hurting tourism for local economies.
• Ipsos Survey: 60% of Americans say they would cancel or avoid air travel if a shutdown happens.

CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW MUCH TRAVEL SPENDING HAS BEEN LOST SINCE THE DEMOCRAT SHUTDOWN BEGAN

Homeowners Exposed During Hurricane Season

• Fox News: Millions of Americans could lose flood insurance coverage if Democrats refuse to back a House-passed spending bill that extends the National Flood Insurance Program.
• National Association of Home Builders: "Past disruptions of the NFIP have caused immediate and widespread negative impacts on property sales, home values, and consumer confidence."

Farmers and Ranchers Lack Certainty

• National Cattlemen's Beef Association: "We commend the House for passing the continuing resolution. America's hardworking farmers and ranchers need predictability and stability from government, and House leadership is leading the charge to do just that. We encourage the Senate to follow suit and ensure that this continuing resolution reaches the President's desk as soon as possible."
• National Chicken Council: "Following House passage, NCC today is urging the Senate to follow-suit and pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) that would prevent the government from shutting down. Businesses need certainty and the President signing a CR would help provide it."
• Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council: Small business owners, their employees, and local communities are still transitioning through the effects of past policies that imposed multi-year inflationary pressures."

The Bottom Line

A shutdown doesn't just waste billions in taxpayer dollars - it means seniors waiting longer for Social Security, veterans losing access to lifesaving care, families seeing food assistance cut off, law enforcement officers working without pay, and farmers and homeowners left in financial limbo. Republicans are united behind a clean, nonpartisan plan to keep the government open. Democrats are choosing a shutdown for their base, not for the American people.

###