Voters Don’t Want a Shutdown, They Want Action on the National Debt Instead
Last Updated September 1, 2023
Congress faces a September 30 deadline to find agreement on a budget and avert a government shutdown. A vast majority of voters is urging them to come together to find a solution.
A new Peterson Foundation poll shows that nine-in-ten Americans want policymakers to work together to avoid a shutdown and focus on implementing solutions to our growing national debt. Strong majorities of voters across party lines believe a shutdown should be avoided because it harms the economy (77%) and because it distracts from America’s larger fiscal challenges (70%).
As Foundation CEO Michael Peterson said, “Nobody wins in a government shutdown, especially our economy and the American people.”
See the below infographic for further details on this new polling.

Further Reading
How Much Can the Administration Really Save by Cutting Down on Improper Payments?
Cutting down on improper payments could increase program efficiency, bolster Americans’ confidence in their government, and safeguard taxpayer dollars.
How Do Quantitative Easing and Tightening Affect the Federal Budget?
The Federal Reserve plays an important role in stabilizing the country’s economy.
Can a Rescissions Package Help Lawmakers Formalize DOGE Cuts?
Rescission packages can serve as a tool for the President and Congress to manage and control government spending through a formal statutory process.