Significant national organizations are warning about the serious negative impacts on the industry and the people they represent if the federal government doesn’t avert closures. Republicans are pushing for a seven-week spending bill to temporarily fund the government, but Democrats, led by Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, are not cooperating.
In a statement shared with Breitbart News, the American Travel Association called on Congress to prevent closures as government funding is set to expire on Wednesday, October 1st.
“Representing the various components of the $1.3 trillion U.S. travel industry, I urge Congress to take swift action to keep the federal government operational,” a spokesperson for the association said. “A shutdown would be a totally preventable hit to the U.S. travel economy, costing $1 billion each week and impacting millions of travelers and businesses, while unnecessarily stressing an already overburdened federal travel workforce.”
The organization highlighted that the effects of a shutdown would be “immediate and serious.”
“Shutdowns worsen staffing shortages among Transportation Security Bureau officers and air traffic controllers, leading to longer lines at airport security, as well as flight delays and cancellations,” they noted. “With already over 2,800 controllers short nationwide, hiring and training new air traffic controllers would halt, leading to further delays even after funding is restored.
“Travelers and communities will feel the impact of closed or neglected national parks, federal museums, and attractions; this could lead to reduced visitor experiences and deteriorating infrastructure that could hurt local economies across the country.”
These consequences extend beyond airports and parks, threatening jobs, small businesses, and economic growth in every state. Nearly 90% of Americans, across party lines, believe Congress should work together to prevent a shutdown. The travel industry supports millions of jobs and is vital to the U.S. economy. It seems like a moment for Congress to fulfill its responsibility by maintaining government funding.
The National Building Association has expressed support for HR 5371, the Continuous Extension of Expenditures Act, along with the House-passed bill to finance 2026. However, apart from Senator John Fetterman, Schumer and Democrats took control of the senator’s bill earlier this month.
“Representing over 140,000 members of the National Association of Housing Builders (NAHB), I’m in favor of HR 5371, the Continuous Appropriations and Expansion Act,” their statement read. “Past disruptions in the NFIP have had immediate, widespread negative repercussions on property sales, home values, and consumer confidence. Home sales could halt in areas where flood insurance is essential for securing mortgages.”
“The NAHB is crucial for the economy, and we believe the housing sector is especially urging Congress to provide certainty, predictability, and reassurance to policyholders reliant on flood protection measures,” it added.
“Currently, the housing market needs stability and certainty. NAHB is requesting prompt action from the House to continue funding federal operations, including the extension of the NFIP.”
Kyle Zebry, vice president and executive director of the ATA Action, pressed lawmakers to reconsider the dangers posed to health providers and patients during this potential shutdown.
“While we appreciate the efforts in both the House and Senate to advance the short-term funding bill, the deadline is approaching as telehealth flexibility wears thin with the session ending on September 29th,” he cautioned.
“The ATA’s initiatives urge Congress to ensure a provision for retroactive reimbursements for telehealth services in case of a government shutdown,” he noted, highlighting the ramifications for Medicare beneficiaries if the government were to close.
“What does this mean for individuals dependent on virtual care? It’s crucial for Medicare recipients to receive reimbursements for telehealth visits, particularly for essential in-home hospital programs,” he added. “Clinics and hospitals could struggle to provide telehealth services once reimbursements cease. That’s simply unacceptable.”
The Mature American Citizens’ Action Association, affiliated with the Mature American Citizens’ Association, is among the organizations pushing for clean resolutions to fund the government. AMCA claims over 2 million members nationwide.
“A government shutdown will jeopardize crucial services such as veterans’ benefits and health programs from the Social Security Administration and Medicare,” the group stated. “Disruptions and backlogs caused by the shutdown could unfairly stress older Americans, many of whom live on fixed incomes.”
AMCA has criticized Democratic leaders for what they deem “unpopular and irrational” demands.
“Reports suggest that Democratic leaders have been pressured to keep the government operational, including funding for public broadcasters that often misrepresent conservatives. President Trump and Republican leaders are supported by American seniors who are opposed to these requests.
“We call on lawmakers to avert a political crisis, take action now, and honor their commitments to the American people, especially older citizens,” he asserted.
Independent Women’s Voice (IWV) and parent advocacy groups are also urging lawmakers to secure government funding and prevent closures.
“This clean, ongoing resolution is essential for smooth government operations. Americans deserve better than a dysfunctional system. They want a government that works, not a shutdown,” a spokesperson indicated. They also noted recent concerns following a violent incident involving Charlie Kirk, emphasizing that this CR will help improve safety for Congressional members, allowing them to better serve their constituents. This CR is vital to ensuring continuity in national security, public safety, veterans’ care, and social support programs while restoring fiscal responsibility.
Parent advocates are calling for bipartisan cooperation.
“Keeping the government operational must be a joint effort. A clean CR will avoid wasting taxpayer money on programs undeserving of continuation,” the spokesperson stated.
They expressed appreciation for House Republicans who advanced the CR while urging lawmakers to avoid a shutdown.
“The Senate must pass a straightforward, continuing resolution (CR) to sustain government funding when the current fiscal year ends on Tuesday, September 30th. House Republicans and Maine Democrats have taken responsible action with this effort,” the group remarked.
