The Federal government has now been partially shuttered for the past two weeks, which already makes it one of the longest closures on record. Given the intransigence on both sides, there is a very good chance that the current shutdown will exceed the record 22 day closure that began in late 1995 and ended in early 1996. This one could even extend into months rather than weeks. Up to now, the economic cost has been limited. But the disruption will increase exponentially for every week the shutdown isn’t resolved, particularly if it delays the payment of tax refunds next month.
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