The government shutdown halted 100% of federal appropriations, freezing economic data releases and leaving millions without vital benefits|Elliot P.|CC BY-SA 2.0
The ongoing government shutdown has become the longest and most damaging in US history, lasting 36 days since October 1.
It has halted 100% of federal appropriations, freezing economic data releases and leaving millions without vital benefits.
About 1.4 million federal employees remain unpaid, and over 40 million Americans are missing food stamp aid.
Goldman Sachs estimates the shutdown will cut fourth-quarter GDP growth by 1.15 percentage points, with up to $14 billion in permanent losses.
Policymakers and the Federal Reserve are flying blind as crucial data like jobs and inflation reports are delayed.
Economists expect a partial rebound in 2026, but warn that lost productivity, stalled spending, and political gridlock could leave lasting scars on the world’s largest economy.