Record-Breaking U.S. Government Shutdown Costs Economy $15 Billion Weekly
As the United States endures the longest government shutdown in its history, the economic repercussions continue to mount significantly. Now entering its 36th day, this shutdown is costing the U.S. economy approximately $15 billion every week, experts report.
This historic funding lapse has surpassed the previous record set in 2019, which lasted 35 days. Unlike that partial shutdown, which affected about 10% of government operations, the current halt has suspended 100% of federal appropriations, leading to a far broader disruption.
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The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and leading financial institutions estimate that this shutdown could reduce the country’s economic growth by 1 to 2 percentage points in the fourth quarter of 2025 alone. If the shutdown persists for eight weeks, the permanent economic loss could reach as high as $14 billion. Although many of these losses are expected to be recovered once the government reopens, some damage—especially from furloughed employees’ lost income—may be irreversible.
Millions of Americans have felt the frozen federal spending firsthand. Approximately 1.4 million federal workers remain unpaid, despite many continuing their duties under financial strain. Essential services, including food assistance programs like SNAP, have been disrupted, leaving vulnerable families without critical support amid the ongoing political stalemate.
Economic analysts highlight that timing is particularly unfortunate, occurring amid a broader economic slowdown influenced by factors such as rising tariffs, shifts in immigration, and ongoing student debt repayments. The uncertainty caused by halted government data releases further clouds investor and policymaker outlooks.
Despite the growing economic toll and public hardship, Congressional Democrats and Republicans remain at an impasse, notably over healthcare funding priorities. The shutdown’s financial consequences reflect not only immediate shortfalls but also potential long-term damage to the nation’s economic health.
s the deadlock continues, experts warn that the economic setback could deepen, underscoring the wide-reaching cost of political gridlock in a climate already fraught with financial uncertainty.