The Costs of a Shutdown Following the six-day shutdown that lasted from November 14
- 20, 1995, the Clinton Administration released documentation of what it cost:
In lost dollars:
$700 - $800 million including $400 million to furloughed federal employees who were
paid, but did not report to work. The Treasury Department reported another $400 million in
lost revenue over the four days that the IRS enforcement divisions were closed.
In inconvenience to citizens:
Medicare - 400,000 newly eligible participants were delayed in enrolling.
Social Security - claims from 112,000 applicants were not processed. 212,000 new
or replacement Social Security cards were not issued. 360,000 office visits were denied.
800,000 toll-free calls for information were not answered.
State Department: 80,000 passport applications delayed. 80,000 visas delayed.
The resulting postponement or cancellation of travel hurt US airlines, hotels, and tourist
industry.
National Parks: 2 million visitors turned away.
Government-backed Loans: FHA mortgage loans worth more than $800 million to more
than 10,000 low-and-moderate-income working families were delayed.
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