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Business associations call on Congress to pass continuing resolution and reopen government

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 1:45 GMT by WGME
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Business Associations Urge Congress to Adopt Continuing Resolution and Keep SNAP Operations Running

Business associations across the country have issued a joint letter urging Congress to pass a continuing resolution (CR) to avoid a federal shutdown and ensure that essential services, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), remain operational. The call, delivered to House and Senate committees, highlights the potential economic and humanitarian fallout if the United States were to close its federal offices on September 30. The associations, representing a broad cross‑section of the private sector—from manufacturers and retailers to financial institutions—stress that a shutdown would derail supply chains, reduce consumer spending, and jeopardize the safety net for millions of Americans.

The letter, signed by leaders from the Business Roundtable, National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), National Retail Federation (NRF), American Bankers Association (ABA), and the United States Chamber of Commerce, cites data that a shutdown would cost the economy between $11 billion and $15 billion in lost productivity, according to the Congressional Budget Office. It also warns that the closure of federal agencies would disrupt the processing of SNAP benefits, potentially leaving food‑insured households without critical aid for weeks or months.

The associations note that SNAP—the program that distributes over 5 billion benefits each month—relies heavily on federal administrative capacity. “SNAP is a lifeline for more than 43 million Americans. A shutdown would mean that beneficiaries might lose access to their benefits, exacerbating food insecurity,” said Tom Schmitz, president of the National Retail Federation. “Retailers who rely on the program to support our communities cannot afford disruptions that could erode customer confidence and spending.”

The joint appeal comes at a time when the U.S. Congress faces increasing pressure to resolve the looming budget impasse. In recent days, the House Appropriations Committee has proposed a short‑term CR for the fiscal year, while the Senate Finance Committee is still debating the fiscal priorities. However, the current CR proposals differ in scope and funding levels, creating uncertainty about whether they will cover all essential programs. The business associations contend that any compromise must preserve federal spending levels for critical services, especially those that directly support consumer purchasing power and the health of local economies.

Beyond SNAP, the letter points to the risk of shutdowns affecting other key agencies such as the Department of Transportation, which funds infrastructure projects and provides grants for local public works. “A halt in DOT funding would delay projects that generate jobs and improve transportation safety,” said Karen A. McConnell, chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Council, part of the National Association of Manufacturers. “Infrastructure investments are a cornerstone of economic resilience.”

The associations also reference the Federal Reserve’s recent statement that a federal shutdown could strain the banking sector, citing that banks rely on uninterrupted Treasury operations for the settlement of government securities. “The potential disruption in Treasury operations could increase volatility in financial markets and hinder the ability of banks to serve their customers,” noted John L. Williams, CEO of the American Bankers Association.

To reinforce their stance, the business associations are preparing to testify before congressional hearings and to engage with lawmakers directly. “We are committed to a constructive dialogue that seeks a timely solution to the budget impasse,” said Susan J. Lee, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Our businesses are ready to collaborate with Congress to ensure that essential federal services remain uninterrupted.”

The letter also urges Congress to consider the broader social costs of a shutdown. In a note to the Committee on Ways and Means, the associations highlighted the potential impact on public health agencies, which rely on federal funding to maintain vaccine distribution and disease surveillance. “The shutdown could delay vaccine distribution and hamper public health initiatives,” said Dr. Maria Torres, director of the National Health Association.

The associations concluded by urging Congress to act swiftly and decisively: “A continuing resolution that maintains current funding levels for all federal programs, including SNAP, is not only essential for economic stability but also for protecting the dignity and well‑being of millions of Americans.”

For additional context, the associations linked to their official statements on the Business Roundtable website, the National Association of Manufacturers’ briefing on supply‑chain disruptions, and the SNAP overview on the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service portal. The letter itself was published on the WGME.com news site, accompanied by a sidebar listing the key statistics on the economic impact of federal shutdowns and a call to action for policymakers to prioritize the continuity of essential services.