Columbia News

Rep. Mark Alford, a U.S. Congressman representing Missouri’s 4th district since 2023, posted a series of statements on October 15, 2025, criticizing Democratic leadership during what he termed the “Schumer Shutdown.” Alford, who succeeded Vicky Hartzler and resides in Lake Winnebago, addressed the ongoing federal government shutdown and its impact on federal workers and military personnel.

In his first post on October 15, Alford stated, "DAY 15 — THE SCARY SCHUMER SHUTDOWN CONTINUES 15 days of Democrats putting politics over the American people."

Later that day, he added, "While Democrats hold federal workers hostage with the Schumer Shutdown, @POTUS Trump is ensuring our troops get paid as they put their lives on the line in defense of our great nation."

Alford continued his criticism with a third post, stating, "BREAKING: The Left is still sleeping through Day 15 of the Schumer Shutdown "

The term “Schumer Shutdown” refers to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and is used by some Republican lawmakers to assign responsibility for the government shutdown to Democratic leadership. Government shutdowns occur when Congress fails to pass appropriations legislation funding federal agencies, resulting in the furlough of federal workers and disruptions to government services.

Mark Alford, 59, was born in Baytown, Texas in 1963 and earned his BA from the University of Texas at Austin in 1988. He has served in Congress since 2023, representing Missouri’s 4th District.