Washington, January 17 (RHC)-- In the U.S., the White House Council of Economic Advisers has doubled its estimate of how much the shutdown is likely to cost the economy, with many independent economists warning it could push the U.S. into a recession. 

The warning came as President Donald Trump ordered nearly 50,000 furloughed federal employees to return to their jobs without pay, as the longest government shutdown in U.S. history entered its 27th day with no end in sight. 

Among those ordered back to work are food safety inspectors, aviation safety workers, and IRS employees who will process income tax refunds.  Earlier this week, a federal judge rejected a lawsuit brought by unions that would have required the government immediately pay employees who are required to work.