By Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager, PRINTING United Alliance

As the federal government shutdown continues, PRINTING United Alliance is amplifying a nationwide industry call for Congress to immediately reopen the government and restore stability to America’s printing and manufacturing sectors.

The Alliance, members of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and US Chamber of Commerce, have urged lawmakers to end the stalemate. They warn that prolonged shutdown continues to inflict serious harm on the economy, small and large businesses, and American workers.

“Shutdowns are harmful to the economy, the American people, and our national security” the coalition letter stated.

The Alliance joined in echoing that message. It has called on Congress to restore confidence, reopen the government, and support industries that keep America’s economy moving.

Print feeling the strain

PRINTING United Alliance CEO Ford Bowers emphasizes that printing and packaging companies with government contracts are among those hit hardest by the shutdown’s disruptions.

“Many of our members provide essential print and communication services for federal agencies—from secure document production to packaging for government operations,” says Bowers. “With the shutdown, payments on those contracts have stopped. These are real businesses with real employees, and when invoices aren’t paid, it jeopardizes payroll, slows production, and threatens local economies. We need the government to reopen now.”

A ripple effect

While long-term funding certainty remains the goal, history shows that even short-term shutdowns have far-reaching economic consequences. The 2018–2019 partial shutdown reduced US economic output by an estimated $11 billion over the following two quarters. Of that, $3 billion was never recovered. Current estimates project that each week of the ongoing lapse could cost the economy $10–$15 billion in lost output and activity.

Call to immediate action

The Alliance joined leading voices from the manufacturing community in urging Congress to end the stalemate. They can do so by passing a clean continuing resolution. This is the swiftest and most effective way to reopen the government and get America’s economy moving again.

Every day the government is closed, job-creating projects are stalled, supply chains are disrupted, permits halted, product approvals and facility inspections are delayed, and safety approvals on which American families rely are put on hold, according to NAM.

The Alliance encourages you to TAKE ACTION today. Send a message to Congress urging them to swiftly pass the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026. This will ensure our government remains open and our economy strong for the printing and packaging sectors, manufacturers, and all Americans.

About the author: Stephanie Buka is the Government Affairs Manager for PRINTING United Alliance. In this role, she supports Ford Bowers, CEO, the Government Affairs team, and coordinates efforts with contracted lobbying firm, ACG Advocacy.