Yellen Says It’s Vital to Avoid ‘Dangerous and Unnecessary’ Government Shutdown

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned of the economic repercussions of a looming government shutdown, saying it would hurt American families and cause economic headwinds that could undermine progress made to improve the outlook.

“A shutdown would impact many key government functions — from loans to farmers and small businesses, to food and workplace safety inspections, to Head Start programs for children,” Yellen said, according to prepared remarks she was set to deliver Friday. Head Start offers early childhood education to lower-income families.