Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Shutdown Costs Soar: $15 Billion Weekly, Legal Action Looms

10/17/2025

46 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent corrected his earlier claim, saying the shutdown could cost $15 billion per week, not per day.
He emphasized the shutdown harms the economy and urged moderate Democrats to negotiate with Republicans.
Separately, federal worker unions are suing over layoffs, arguing the moves violate laws against operating without congressional funding.
A federal judge will hear the case on October 15, 2025.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown, lasting from October 1 to October 17, resulted from a budget impasse over the Affordable Care Act, leading to the furlough of approximately 800,000 federal employees and a $24 billion economic loss. This event underscored the deepening partisan divides in Congress and highlighted the urgent need for legislative reforms to prevent future shutdowns and protect federal workers' rights.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent corrected his earlier claim, saying the shutdown could cost $15 billion per week, not per day.
He emphasized the shutdown harms the economy and urged moderate Democrats to negotiate with Republicans.
Separately, federal worker unions are suing over layoffs, arguing the moves violate laws against operating without congressional funding.
A federal judge will hear the case on October 15, 2025.

1 / 2