The American Bankers Association today joined 384 other national and local trade associations representing all sectors of the U.S. economy in calling for an end to the government shutdown. “On behalf of the American business community, we urge Congress and the administration to immediately take steps to restore the full operation of the federal government,” said the letter, which was spearheaded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “The current shutdown — now the longest in American history — is causing significant and in some cases lasting damage to families, businesses, and the economy as a whole.”
The groups urged Congress and the president to seize one of many compromise paths that have been floated by Republicans and Democrats. “Failing to seize on one of those compromises that can pass Congress and be signed into law is unacceptable,” they said.