PRINTING United Alliance Amplifies Industry Call to End Government Shutdown: “Printing and Manufacturing Businesses Are Paying the Price”
PHILADELPHIA — As the federal government shutdown enters its 35th day, 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 U.S. Chamber of Commerce, have urged lawmakers to end the stalemate, warning that the prolonged shutdown continues to inflict serious harm on the U.S. economy, small and large businesses, and American workers alike.
“Shutdowns are harmful to the economy, the American people, and our national security” the coalition letter stated.
The Alliance joined in echoing that message, calling on Congress to restore confidence, reopen the government, and support the industries that keep America’s economy moving.
Printing industry feeling the strain
PRINTING United Alliance CEO Ford Bowers emphasized 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,” said 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 across the economy
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 U.S. economic output by an estimated $11 billion over the following two quarters—$3 billion of which 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.
A call for immediate action
The Alliance joined leading voices from the manufacturing community in urging Congress to end the stalemate by passing a clean continuing resolution—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 by sending a message to Congress urging them to swiftly pass the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026, ensuring our government remains open and our economy strong for the printing and packaging sectors, manufacturers, and all Americans.
About PRINTING United Alliance
PRINTING United Alliance is the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America, representing the industry’s vast communities. The Alliance serves professionals across all market segments with premier education and training through iLEARNING+, events, research, government and legislative representation, safety and sustainability guidance, and resources from its leading media brands—Printing Impressions, Packaging Impressions, Wide-format Impressions, In-plant Impressions, Apparelist, and Promo Impressions.
The Alliance also produces PRINTING United Expo, the most influential event in printing, showcasing the full spectrum of technologies, innovations, and solutions driving the industry forward.