Columbia News

Rep. Mark Alford, who represents Missouri’s 4th district in the U.S. Congress, used his social media platform on October 15, 2025, to criticize Democratic leadership over the ongoing government shutdown, which he referred to as the “Schumer Shutdown.”

In a post from October 15, Alford wrote, "Day 15 of the Schumer Shutdown. No leverage. No leadership. & No plan from Democrats". Later the same day, he highlighted the impact of the shutdown on constituents, sharing a quote from a local mortgage broker: "SCHUMER SHUTDOWN = REAL CONSEQUENCES FOR AMERICANS. Listen to Shawn Parker, a MO-04 mortgage broker about the REAL PAIN the Left is causing. 'Come on, get your act together man.' -Shawn Parker". In a subsequent update, Alford posted, "On the road in MO-04—even when the Left is holding America hostage during this #SchumerShutdown. A little update as we continue working for you:".

Alford, who began serving in Congress in 2023 after succeeding Vicky Hartzler, has consistently voiced his opposition to the shutdown and its effects on his district. He was born in Baytown, Texas in 1963, currently resides in Lake Winnebago, and holds a BA from the University of Texas at Austin, earned in 1988.

The term “Schumer Shutdown” is a reference to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, with whom Alford and other Republicans have placed responsibility for the ongoing budget impasse. The dispute has resulted in a partial government shutdown, with various federal services affected and economic uncertainty for many Americans.