Economic Impact of Government Shutdown - The U.S. federal government shutdown could cost the economy up to $14 billion, depending on its duration [1][2] - A six-week shutdown is projected to cost $11 billion, while an eight-week shutdown could escalate the cost to $14 billion [2] - By the end of 2026, the shutdown is expected to result in a loss of at least $7 billion in gross domestic product due to furloughed federal employees working fewer weeks [1] Political Dynamics - Senators express pessimism regarding the likelihood of reaching a bipartisan deal to reopen the government, despite the increasing economic pain for Americans [2] - The shutdown commenced on October 1 after Senate Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on a short-term funding measure [3] - Democratic senators are demanding that Republicans extend enhanced Affordable Care Act health insurance subsidies as a condition for their support in funding to reopen the government [4]