Banks and credit unions are calling on Congress to end the shutdown or risk economic collapse.

Major financial associations representing banks and credit unions across the United States have called on Congress to end the protracted shutdown as soon as possible. They cite growing risks to local economies, small businesses, and the wallets of ordinary Americans, writes Fox Business.

The American Bankers Association said banks are "supporting military families, federal employees, and other customers directly impacted by the government shutdown by waiving fees, modifying loan terms, and providing other assistance."

However, the association noted that such support would not be able to prevent the damage that the shutdown continues to inflict on the US economy.

On the subject: Thousands of flights are being delayed daily in the US due to the shutdown.

"We call on legislators to pass a temporary funding resolution and resolve their political differences under an open and functioning government," the association said in a statement.

America's Credit Unions supported this position, noting that credit unions are responding with understanding and flexibility as their members feel the impact of wage arrears and job losses.

However, the organization believes that "it is time for Congress to pass a temporary funding resolution and get the government back on track."

The Independent Community Bankers Association of America (ICBA) warned that the government shutdown is harming local economies, which are the foundation for improving national well-being.

The ICBA called on lawmakers to "work together to pass a temporary funding resolution as soon as possible, reopen the government, and return to negotiations to finalize the budget process." It noted that such resolutions "have been used many times over the years simply to keep the government running while the budget is being approved."

“Timely action to end the current shutdown is necessary to ensure that economic growth remains sustainable in local communities across the country,” the ICBA explained.

The shutdown has now entered its fifth week. Neither side intends to back down on funding issues, continuing to pressure federal workers and the economy.

The Trump administration has placed full responsibility for the ongoing shutdown on Democrats.

"The Democrats' government shutdown has created economic uncertainty for American businesses and caused unnecessary suffering for the American people," White House spokesman Taylor Rogers told Fox News Digital.

"Financial markets are operating blind without key government data that influences trillions of investment decisions. The message is clear: Senate Democrats must stop holding Americans hostage and pass a clean temporary funding resolution to reopen the government," Rogers added.

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Democrats, in turn, believe that Republicans are to blame for the delay in the shutdown.

"Republicans, including Donald Trump, have gone silent... What we're seeing is negotiations via deepfake videos, canceled votes, and, of course, President Trump playing golf. This is not a responsible approach," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat, told Politico. "They'd rather shut down the government than actually provide healthcare to the American people."

Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, commented to Reuters: "The public sees how bad health care costs are, and they know we're on their side. Until Republicans start talking, the onus is on them: every job lost, every family hurt, every service cut is the result of their decisions."

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