Stephanie Ferguson
Director, Global Employment Policy & Special Initiatives, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Published
November 14, 2023
A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass a spending bill to fund the federal government. A shutdown imposes detrimental impacts on Americans and businesses across the country. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is calling on Congress to work together to pass a bipartisan budget to avoid a shutdown and its damaging consequences.
Should a shutdown occur, 57,000 small business vendors that rely on federal contracts and 1,972,296 active duty and military reservists would not be paid on time. E-Verify cases would not be processed, delaying as many as 1.8 million workers from receiving necessary authorization to begin working. An estimated 400,000 new business applications would not be approved, nor would roughly 5,000 SBA-backed loans be processed.
To see the impact a government shutdown would have in your state, click on or select your state below.
Government shutdown: state-by-state impact
Use the dropdown menu to select a state to discover the effects of a government shutdown.
Click on a state for details
Alabama
-
27,800
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time
-
1,000
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
5,900
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
36,000
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed
-
19
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Alaska
-
25,500
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
900
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
700
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
1,100
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
3
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Arizona
-
34,600
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
1,300
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
10,200
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
48,700
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
140
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Arkansas
-
14,800
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
500
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
3,200
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
62,900
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
42
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
California
-
217,900
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
6,400
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
45,800
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
144,800
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
355
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Colorado
-
52,400
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
1,700
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
10,600
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
29,700
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
29
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Connecticut
-
13,900
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
600
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
3,800
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
9,900
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
31
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Delaware
-
8,800
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
200
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
4,300
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
3,500
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
391
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
District of Columbia
-
14,900
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
500
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
1,200
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
7,200
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
1
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Florida
-
107,400
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
3,000
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
53,900
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
105,700
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
449
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Georgia
-
97,300
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
1,500
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
23,500
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
151,700
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
95
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Hawaii
-
51,600
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
500
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
1,600
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
1,800
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
9
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Idaho
-
9,100
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
800
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
2,500
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
5,100
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
36
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Illinois
-
46,200
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
1,300
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
14,000
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
60,300
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
120
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Indiana
-
18,900
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
600
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
7,400
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
37,200
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
106
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Iowa
-
11,400
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
300
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
2,600
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
11,900
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
24
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Kansas
-
32,000
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
500
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
2,700
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
16,300
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
30
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Kentucky
-
47,500
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
500
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
4,300
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
17,000
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
19
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Louisiana
-
32,400
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
700
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
6,600
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
17,300
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
24
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Maine
-
4,400
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
200
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
1,100
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
2,700
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
56
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Maryland
-
49,100
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
2,900
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
8,300
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
37,500
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
5
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Massachusetts
-
18,000
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
1,400
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
6,200
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
31,900
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
104
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Michigan
-
17,400
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
1,100
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
12,000
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
45,700
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
46
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Minnesota
-
19,000
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
800
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
5,300
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
32,700
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
99
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Mississippi
-
27,000
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
500
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
4,400
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
15,800
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
112
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Missouri
-
34,900
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
1,000
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
7,000
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
40,100
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
112
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Montana
-
7,500
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
1,000
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
1,800
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
1,700
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
20
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Nebraska
-
12,400
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
300
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
1,800
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
13,500
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
24
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Nevada
-
20,500
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
500
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
5,300
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
10,300
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
17
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
New Hampshire
-
5,400
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
300
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
1,200
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
3,200
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
28
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
New Jersey
-
25,700
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
1,200
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
13,100
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
31,500
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
119
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
New Mexico
-
17,700
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
800
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
2,600
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
3,700
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
7
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
New York
-
49,400
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
2,100
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
25,300
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
70,100
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
344
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
North Carolina
-
122,200
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
1,300
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
13,800
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
78,900
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
179
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
North Dakota
-
12,100
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
300
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
700
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
2,300
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
22
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Ohio
-
34,400
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
1,500
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
12,100
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
72,900
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
989
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Oklahoma
-
34,600
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
800
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
4,600
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
15,300
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
36
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Oregon
-
11,200
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
1,600
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
4,300
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
11,200
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
30
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Pennsylvania
-
30,700
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
1,900
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
12,100
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
72,100
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
91
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Rhode Island
-
7,900
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
200
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
1,000
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
7,700
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
14
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
South Carolina
-
56,300
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
600
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
7,500
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
32,200
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
119
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
South Dakota
-
8,200
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
400
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
900
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
2,100
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
218
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Tennessee
-
20,300
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
700
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
7,700
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
74,100
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
32
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Texas
-
174,600
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
3,200
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
39,800
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
149,000
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
132
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Utah
-
16,600
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
700
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
5,700
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
29,600
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
157
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Vermont
-
3,600
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
200
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
600
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
800
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
8
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Virginia
-
156,500
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
4,400
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
10,500
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
53,100
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
34
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Washington
-
81,000
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
1,700
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
7,800
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
63,000
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
41
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
West Virginia
-
7,800
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
300
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
1,200
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
2,600
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
6
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Wisconsin
-
15,000
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
700
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
5,400
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
26,700
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
108
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Wyoming
-
6,200
Active duty and military reservists won't receive their paycheck on time.
-
300
Small businesses that provide goods or services to the federal government won’t be paid this month.
-
4,400
New business applications that were filed this month won’t have IRS staff available to help them navigate any problems in getting an employer identification number.
-
1,000
Workers’ employment authorized through the E-Verify process would be delayed.
-
1
Small businesses that will not receive an SBA-backed loan this month.
Figures are approximate and calculated based on rolling annual averages per state.
A government shutdown would also impact more than American businesses. New patients would no longer be accepted into potentially life-saving clinical research trials. The hiring of federal law enforcement officials would come to a halt. National parks, vital for generating revenue in local communities, would close. Read the real life stories of what Americans endured during the 2018-19 government shutdown here.
The U.S. Chamber is committed to supporting businesses and our nation’s system of free enterprise. We call on Congress to work together now to pass the budget and spare our nation from the pains of a government shutdown.
Sources:
- Bloomberg Government, September 2023
- Governing.com, U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Manpower Data Center, September 2021.
- U.S. Census Bureau, August 2023.
- E-Verify, April 2023.
- U.S. Small Business Administration, October 2023.
About the authors
Stephanie Ferguson
Stephanie Ferguson is the Director of Global Employment Policy and Special Initiatives. Her work on the labor shortage has been cited in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Associated Press.
Makinizi Hoover
Makinizi Hoover is the Strategic Advocacy Manager at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Her work includes the development and project management of comprehensive data centers that serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, businesses, and the public.
