Congresswoman Tenney Highlights That the Democrat Shutdown Freezes Small Business Funding and Threatens Jobs

Washington, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today warned that the ongoing Democrat-led government shutdown is devastating small businesses across New York and the nation.

With the Small Business Administration (SBA) halting all new loans and guarantees, thousands of small firms have been cut off from critical funding they rely on to make payroll, purchase equipment, and rebuild after disasters. Each day the shutdown continues, Main Street businesses lose access to millions of dollars in capital, forcing layoffs, stalling local development projects, and weakening rural and downtown economies.

Private businesses are also being hit hard: federal loans and contracts are delayed, exports are stalled, and mortgages are put on hold. A monthlong shutdown could drain an estimated $30 million from Main Street as families tighten their belts and businesses lose customers. Federal contracts and export approvals are frozen, cutting off additional income streams for manufacturers and service providers across upstate New York.

“The Democrat shutdown is not just hurting Washington. It is strangling Main Street,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “Every day this continues, small businesses lose millions and families lose income. Democrats could end this today, but they would rather bow to the far-left activists running their party. It is shameful and un-American. House Republicans passed a clean, responsible bill to keep our government open and our economy strong. It is time for Democrats to stop cowering to radicals, do their jobs, and help us get America moving again.”

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