Conyers: Republican Induced Government Shutdown Will Harm Southeast Michigan Workers, Seniors, and Veterans

(WASHINGTON) – Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) issued the following statement in response to today’s developments in Washington: 

U.S. Representative
John Conyers, Jr.

“As the hours tick closer to a shutdown of the federal government at midnight, Michiganders and all Americans should be concerned with the impact of House Republicans’ hostage taking on our economy.  If the government shuts down at midnight, the Small Business Administration will stop approving new loans, pay for military personnel and contractors will be interrupted, Social Security checks and veterans benefits may be affected, and 30,000 Michigan-based federal employees will face unpaid furloughs. Economist Mark Zandi has suggested that a government shutdown could slow fourth quarter economic growth by 1.4 percent, which would prevent the creation of thousands of jobs and slow our country’s economic recovery. I call on House Republicans to stop this damaging crusade to unilaterally reverse the outcome of the 2012 Presidential election.  Our country can’t afford any additional self-inflicted wounds.”     

Ø  In FY 2012, the SBA’s flagship 7(a) and 504 loan programs approved 53,847 applications and supported 571,383 jobs.  A shutdown would halt this critical source of small business credit. 

Ø  The Department of Defense estimates that nearly half of its civilian workforce will be furloughed, with the rest working for delayed pay.  Up to 10,013 Michigan-based civilian DoD employees could be affected by a shutdown.

Ø  A government shutdown will force the National Park Service to close nearly 350 national parks. 

Ø  A government shutdown will stop the Department of Housing and Urban Development from providing assistance to over 3,000 public housing authorities.

Ø  A shutdown will prevent the Commodities Future Trading Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, and countless other agencies from issuing and enforcing regulations that protect consumers.

Ø  Furloughs and service cuts that occurred during the last federal government shutdown prevented the Social Security Administration from accepting 112,000 benefit claims. 

Ø  During the 1995-1996 shutdowns, more than 400,000 veterans saw their disability benefits and pension claims delayed, while educational benefits were delayed for 170,000 veterans

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