Dear Member of Congress:
With strong bipartisan support, Congress voted in late September to keep the government open and at work. As Congress continues to address the controversies and challenges of the day, you are once again confronted with the urgent need to enact legislation to avoid a government shutdown that would cause harm to American families, communities, and businesses.
We encourage you to support H.R. 6363, Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024.
Individuals and businesses rely on discretionary government functions on a daily basis. From passports and permits to clinical trials and contractors, a well-functioning society requires a functioning government.
A government shutdown would also have serious negative impacts on the economy and would disrupt many vital services and programs that people rely on, such as Social Security, Medicare, veterans’ benefits, food stamps, and unemployment insurance. It would also delay the processing of loan applications and tax refunds. Moreover, it would force hundreds of thousands of federal workers and contractors to work without pay or be furloughed, creating financial hardship and uncertainty for them and their families.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce greatly appreciates your work to govern responsibly and provide the certainty that the American people and business community needs. The true essence of democracy lies in the ability of elected officials to find common ground for the common good.
Sincerely,
Neil L. Bradley
Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer
and Head of Strategic Advocacy
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
