National Urban League: Shutdown Ends but the Fight for Justice and Stability is Far From Over

NEW YORK (November 13, 2025) -- National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to the end of the most recent federal government shutdown:

“The reopening of the federal government after 43 days of dysfunction is a welcome relief, but let us be clear: this shutdown was never a mere budget dispute—it inflicted real harm on millions of Americans and undermined the stability of our democracy because Republicans in Congress and the Administration refused to address the healthcare crisis that threatens to leave millions  of Americans uninsured. Families were forced to choose between food and rent. Small businesses, particularly those owned by women and people of color, were cut off from vital loans and contracts. Federal workers and military families endured weeks without pay, and essential programs like SNAP were thrown into chaos despite there being existing authorities and funding to continue them.

"The damage lingers. Communities already struggling have been pushed closer to the brink, and confidence in our institutions has been shaken. This crisis exposed the fragility of systems that millions depend on and the devastating consequences of partisan gamesmanship.

"We call on Congress and the Administration to move beyond brinkmanship and commit to governing responsibly. That means passing full-year funding bills for all of the federal government that ensure appropriated funding will be spent as provided in law, protecting health care access, strengthening economic opportunity, and upholding the integrity of our democratic institutions. It means ensuring that never again will the American people be held hostage to political extremism."