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Read the press release here.

Looming Government Shutdown Threatens to Cost New York Millions

House Speaker John Boehner speaks about the failure to reach a budget agreement Friday.
House Speaker John Boehner speaks about the failure to reach a budget agreement Friday.
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AP Images/J. Scott Applewhite

By Adam Nichols

DNAinfo News Editor

MANHATTAN — A federal government shutdown that would cripple tourism and cost New York City millions in lost revenue was looking likely Friday as the nation's leaders failed to break a budget impasse.

If agreement isn't reached by midnight Friday, thousands of city workers would be furloughed and all non-essential government functions shut down.

The biggest hit to New York City would be on tourism, city officials said, since shutting down embassies and consulates would stop overseas visitors from getting visas.

National monuments — such as the Statue of Liberty — would also be closed down.

"We could lose millions per day in revenue and would be forced to turn away thousands — if not hundreds of thousands — of visitors who want to come here to do business, spend money and experience the city," said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company.

New York State may be forced to close city tourist attractions like Liberty Island, if a federal government shutdown happens Saturday.
New York State may be forced to close city tourist attractions like Liberty Island, if a federal government shutdown happens Saturday.
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Flickr/John and Gill

Any federal employees providing services judged to be non-essential — which rules out mail carriers, air traffic controllers and the military, among others — would be furloughed, said a spokesman for the City Council.

It would delay any federal funding for New York, and could slow down Social Security payments, tax refunds and other federal payouts.

It would not effect essential services such as courts, hospital care, national security, law enforcement and care of prisoners, the council spokesman said.

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) said Republicans had failed to reach agreement on the federal budget because the  White House was unwilling to "get serious about cutting spending."

But Democratic leaders said the sticking point was actually federal funding for Planned Parenthood.

"Republicans want to shut down a nation's government bcause they want to make it harder for women to get the health services they need," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said.

Congressional negotiators have until 12.01 a.m. Saturday to reach a deal before the national government starts shutting down.