The Impact of the Government Shutdown on Main Street                          

Dear Texans,

Almost a month ago, the federal government shut down after Congress failed to pass a Continuing Resolution to keep operations running. My GOP colleagues and I voted for a straightforward plan to extend government funding and protect essential services. Senate Democrats blocked it, which caused a lapse in operations that is now being felt across the country.

Here in Texas, the impacts of the shutdown are already being felt by our small businesses. When Main Street loses access to capital, federal employees miss paychecks, and federal contracts are not being paid, our community feels the strain. Texas families, entrepreneurs, and workers are now facing growing uncertainty as vital programs and services are temporarily halted.

While key federal functions remain active, many programs that directly serve our small businesses have been stopped: No new SBA loans or federal contracts are being approved or paid, SBA support centers are operating at limited capacity or closed entirely, and export counseling and international trade support through SBA partners is paused. Our state’s 3.5 million small businesses power the Texas economy and provide opportunities for millions of workers. Each day this shutdown continues, those employers face new challenges, such as pausing hiring, delaying payroll, and scaling back operations to stay open.

My office remains fully operational and ready to assist you during this time. We can help connect you to local resources and state programs that remain open until the government reopens.

Sincerely,

Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) 
Chairman, House Committee on Small Business ,