Full Breakdown
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to Release September CPI Report Amid Government Shutdown
10/10/2025, 11:35:12 PM
Key Developments in the CPI Report Release
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has announced that it will publish the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for September on October 24, 2025, despite the ongoing federal government shutdown that began on October 1. This report was initially scheduled for release on October 15 but was delayed due to the shutdown. The CPI data is crucial for calculating the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits, which must be finalized by November 1 to ensure timely payments to beneficiaries.
Impact on Social Security Benefits
The September CPI data is essential for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine the COLA for 2026, which affects over 74 million recipients, including retirees and individuals with disabilities. The adjustment is based on inflation metrics from the third quarter, and a delay in the CPI report could jeopardize the timely announcement of the COLA. The SSA typically unveils the COLA shortly after the BLS releases the CPI data.
Government Shutdown and BLS Operations
During the shutdown, the BLS had suspended all operations, including data collection and analysis, with only one employee, acting commissioner William Wiatrowski, remaining on duty. However, the urgency of the CPI report has led to the recall of some furloughed employees to assist in preparing the data. This decision reflects the importance of the CPI in informing both the SSA and the Federal Reserve's economic decisions.
Official Statements & Responses
A White House official confirmed that the BLS would "promptly resume" work on the CPI report to meet the SSA's deadlines. The BLS stated, “This release allows the Social Security Administration to meet statutory deadlines necessary to ensure the accurate and timely payment of benefits.” The agency emphasized that no other economic data releases would occur until regular government operations resume.
Criticism & Opposition
The decision to recall staff has not been without controversy. Critics have raised concerns about the potential manipulation of economic data, particularly following President Donald Trump's dismissal of former BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer in August. Trump's administration has faced scrutiny for its handling of economic data, with accusations of politicization affecting the credibility of the BLS.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the BLS has confirmed the new release date for the CPI report, there remains uncertainty regarding the publication of other key economic data, such as the September jobs report, which has also been delayed. The lack of clarity on when regular operations will resume adds to the challenges faced by the agency and the broader economic landscape.
What's Next
The CPI report's release on October 24 is expected to provide critical insights ahead of the Federal Reserve's upcoming meeting on October 28-29. Federal Reserve officials have indicated that having access to the inflation data will be beneficial as they navigate economic policy amid a fluctuating labor market and persistent inflation concerns.
