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Welcome to The Hill’s Business & Economy newsletter

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Business & Economy

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The Big Story

Pressure points: 5 ways the shutdown could end

Something will have to give if lawmakers hope to reopen the government in any timely fashion, and that movement will likely be the result of external forces exerting pressure on one party — or both of them — to break the deadlock.

That’s been the case in the protracted shutdowns of years past, when a number of outside factors — from economic sirens to public frustration — have combined to compel lawmakers to cede ground and carry their policy battles to another day.

Public sentiment: Among the most recycled quotes on Capitol Hill is attributed to Abraham Lincoln: “Public sentiment is everything.” The trouble, in these early stages of the shutdown fight, is that the verdict is still out on where that sentiment will land.

Air traffic controller issues: It was nearly seven years ago that the 35-day shutdown ended after travel chaos and short-staffing of air traffic controllers brought immense strain on the aviation sector — and trouble is already starting up again.

An uptick of air traffic controllers calling in sick Monday forced numerous flight delays and cancellations, prompting concerns that a reprisal of what happened in 2019 could be starting up again.

“We should all be worried,” said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), who was part of informal rank-and-file talks last week about a possible resolution.

The Hill’s Mike Lillis and Al Weaver have more here.

Welcome to The Hill’s Business & Economy newsletter, I’m Sylvan Lane — covering the intersection of Wall Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.

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Essential Reads

Key business and economic news with implications this week and beyond:

Here are the airports experiencing staff shortages due to government shutdown

Staffing shortages are contributing to ground delays, longer wait times and travel modifications at airports across the country due to the government shutdown.

Full Story

House China panel calls for stronger restrictions on chip ‘toolmakers’

The House Select Committee on China is calling for stronger restrictions on companies producing the equipment used to make semiconductor chips amid concerns their sales are boosting Beijing’s chipmaking capabilities.

Full Story

Senate Democrat on shutdown: ‘So far, so good’ for party

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) said the government shutdown has benefited Democrats so far, while congressional Republicans have “skedaddled” as the government stays closed.

Full Story

7 in 10 say US economy on wrong track: Survey

Nearly 70 percent of respondents to a Fannie Mae survey feel the U.S. economy is not on the right track.

Full Story

The Ticker

Upcoming news themes and events we’re watching:

The Federal Reserve hosts the Community Bank Conference in Washington, D.C. on Thursday.

In Other News

Branch out with more stories from the day:

US stocks hit records after the briefest of stumbles as gold’s price keeps rising

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street got back to rising on Wednesday, while the price of gold pushed further …

Full Story

Good to Know

Business and economic news we’ve flagged from other outlets:

How Businesses Are Already Feeling Shutdown Pain (WSJ)
S&P 500, Nasdaq close at record highs as Wall Street looks past U.S. government shutdown (CNBC)

What People Think

Opinions related to business and economic issues submitted to The Hill:

Washington’s dysfunction tax is pummeling American borrowers
Gen X may be the first to need a universal basic income after late-career job loss