National Urban League Demands End to Shutdown That Threatens Americans and Democracy

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE DEMANDS END TO SHUTDOWN THAT THREATENS AMERICANS AND DEMOCRACY

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 1, 2025) — As the federal government shuts down, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued a grave warning about the destructive impact on Black, Brown, and working-class Americans and on the stability of our democracy itself.

“This shutdown is not a budget dispute. It is a direct attack on families, workers, and the institutions that safeguard our freedom,” Morial said. “The reckless refusal to govern threatens the very foundation of American life.”

Economic Stability in Jeopardy

The shutdown has forced the Bureau of Labor Statistics to delay its monthly jobs report, depriving the nation of critical data that guide hiring, wages, and investments. “Without this information, policymakers are flying blind and communities already struggling are left vulnerable,” Morial said.

Small Businesses Cut Off

With the Small Business Administration paralyzed, minority and women entrepreneurs will see loans, contracts, and essential services withheld. “For many, this is not just a setback. It is a question of survival,” Morial warned.

Federal Workers Forced Into Crisis

More than two million civilian federal employees, disproportionately women and people of color, now face missed paychecks and financial chaos. “No family should be forced to choose between food and rent because of partisan games,” Morial said.

Military Families Abandoned

Even those serving in uniform are not spared. Service members and their families face delayed pay and reduced support. “It is shameful to ask our soldiers to defend the nation while their own households are pushed to the brink,” Morial said.

Holiday Anxiety Over Economy, Safety, and Travel

With the holiday season approaching, fear and uncertainty are spreading. The shutdown deepens anxiety about the direction of the economy. It undermines confidence in safety and emergency response. It threatens delays and breakdowns in air travel at the very moment families depend on these systems most. “The psychological toll is immense. People need stability and leadership. Instead, they are given chaos and neglect,” Morial said.

A Call to Defend Americans and Democracy

The National Urban League demands immediate bipartisan action to restore government operations and protect the American people. “The DeLauro/Murray bill offers a responsible path forward by reversing harmful Medicaid cuts, preserving Affordable Care Act protections, extending premium tax credits for over 20 million Americans, and reinforcing security for government officials," Morial said. "It also ensures that federal funds are spent as directed by law, countering the Trump Administration’s pattern of illegal pocket rescissions and unilateral partisan cuts. Every day of this shutdown is an act of harm to our communities and an erosion of democracy,” Morial said. “We call on President Trump and Congressional Republicans to end this manufactured crisis and join Democrats in governing responsibly. The health, safety, and dignity of the nation depend on it.”