Press Staff Blog

The economic damage from the Trump shutdown is “inflicting far greater damage” than previously estimated, according to the President’s own economists. The New York Times explains the Council of Economic Advisers’ analysis shows how a prolonged shutdown could cause a recession. So, the President is not only making Americans less safe, but he’s also damaging our economy by refusing to reopen government while border negotiations continue. Key excerpts here:
 

Yesterday, the President said: "When it comes to keeping the American people safe, I will never, ever back down." But shutting down the government for 25 days and putting undue stress on hardworking TSA agents who are forced to work without pay is not making Americans any safer. Instead, it’s putting them at risk and causing chaos at our nation’s airports. Read more about how the shutdown is impacting air travel here:
 

Wanted to be sure you saw this Politico article highlighting the wide-reaching impacts of the shutdown across the federal government – inspections and investigations have been halted; tax refunds are delayed; furloughed judges mean the immigration courts backlog is worsening; and more. Key excerpts:
 

Doesn’t look great for President Trump and Congressional Republicans as they refuse to reopen government and end the Trump shutdown.

This shutdown is not just hurting federal employees or government contractors or small businesses that operate near federal agencies. It is having a wide-ranging, negative impact on our economy and affecting Americans across the country.

So ICYMI, there’s a growing number of Senate Republicans calling on its leadership to reopen government and end the Trump shutdown while Democrats and Republicans continue to negotiate on border security. As a reminder, they are joining Senators Collins, Gardner, and Murkowski who want to see action to reopen government now. Take a look:
 

The snow isn’t the only thing piling up in Washington. A look at the headlines over the weekend shows pressure is mounting on Senate Republicans to take up the House-passed Republican bills to reopen government and end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Take a look:
 

There seems to be some confusion in the White House as to what the government does and why it needs to be open, so allow us to help them out. From inspecting food to ensuring safe travel, the government keeps the American people safe. The government also ensures families can access nutrition assistance, assists farmers, protects public lands, and more. It even approves new beers!