Columbia News

Rep. Mark Alford, who represents Missouri’s 4th district in the U.S. Congress, posted a series of tweets on October 7, 2025, addressing the ongoing federal government shutdown and its impact on federal workers in the Kansas City area.

In his first tweet at 17:51 UTC, Alford wrote, "The federal government exploded in size under Joe Biden, now Democrats are refusing to fix it.

30,000 federal workers in the KC area are feeling the pain from the #SchumerShutdown. If Chuck Schumer doesn’t want layoffs, he should stop playing politics and open the government".

Shortly after, at 17:56 UTC, Alford provided an update from his district: "On the road in MO-04.

A little update as we are out in the district continuing to work for you during the #SchumerShutdown:".

Later that day at 18:30 UTC, Alford commented on legislative efforts and criticized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s actions regarding appropriations bills: "We did our job. 12 appropriations bills: passed through @HouseApprops.

All we asked for was 7 more weeks to finish the job.

Instead, Chuck Schumer shut down the government and put lives at risk, all to protect his political pride. This is the Schumer Shutdown. And the American".

Mark Alford has represented Missouri’s 4th District since 2023, succeeding Vicky Hartzler. Born in Baytown, Texas in 1963 and currently residing in Lake Winnebago, Alford holds a BA from the University of Texas at Austin (1988).

The current government shutdown has drawn national attention due to its effects on federal employees and services. Disputes over appropriations bills and short-term funding extensions have been central to congressional debates about reopening government operations.