As the federal government shutdown enters its sixth week, concerns are rising over its impact on families, farmers, and small businesses in Florida and across the country. House Appropriations Committee Republicans have criticized Senate Democrats for voting multiple times to keep the government closed, arguing that these actions prioritize political interests over the needs of Americans.
Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL), Vice Chair of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, addressed the consequences of the shutdown in an op-ed published by The Ledger. He highlighted several issues affecting Florida’s Heartland, including delays in seasonal agriculture visas that are critical for harvests, stalled Small Business Administration loans, and suspended National Flood Insurance Program policies.
Franklin wrote: “Democrats like Katherine Clark argue, ‘There will be families that are going to suffer… but it is one of the few leverage times we have.’ But let’s look at what that leverage means for Florida’s families and farmers.”
He explained that disruptions in the H-2A visa process have left many agricultural operations short-handed during peak season. This has led to crops remaining unharvested and financial losses for rural communities dependent on agriculture. According to Franklin, agriculture and related industries contribute more than $180 billion to Florida’s economy and support over 2.5 million jobs.
The effects extend beyond farming. Small businesses are unable to access new loans from the Small Business Administration, limiting their ability to invest in equipment or cover payroll. Approximately 42 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits while WIC supports mothers and young children; both programs face uncertainty as funding remains unresolved.
Rural hospitals also depend on more than $50 billion in federal support linked to current funding levels. Franklin noted that this places additional pressure on facilities serving seniors, veterans, and families in smaller communities.
Another significant concern is the expiration of the National Flood Insurance Program during a shutdown. New or renewal policies cannot be issued, which has stalled real estate transactions across Florida—a state with about 1.7 million flood insurance policies in force.
Franklin cited data from the Congressional Budget Office indicating that the shutdown could cost up to $14 billion for the U.S. economy as each day without resolution adds further strain on families and businesses.
He pointed out that weeks earlier, the House voted to keep government operations running through November 21 while negotiations continued for full-year funding—an approach he said would have extended flood insurance coverage and nutrition programs without increasing spending. According to Franklin: “Senate Democrats blocked it, turning a practical solution into a needless round of brinkmanship that serves no one.”
On October 27th, the American Federation of Government Employees—which represents more than 800,000 federal workers—urged Senate Democrats to pass a clean short-term spending bill. They described the shutdown as an “avoidable crisis” harming American families and workers nationwide.
Franklin concluded: “The longer this shutdown continues, the more families, farms, and local businesses will feel the pain. These are livelihoods, not bargaining chips as leverage for political gain. It’s time for Democrats to put the well-being of Florida families and all Americans ahead of partisanship and reopen the government.”
