Columbia News

Rep. Mark Alford, a U.S. Congressman representing Missouri’s 4th district since 2023, has taken to social media to criticize Democratic leadership over the ongoing government shutdown. In a series of posts on November 4, 2025, Alford placed responsibility for the situation on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and the Democratic Party.

In his first post at 18:56 UTC, Alford wrote, "Democrats need to own this Schumer Shutdown. They broke it — they need to buy it. We cannot allow the crazy people to take over."

Later that evening at 19:31 UTC, he added, "They’re laughing. Families are not. Tied for the longest shutdown in history…end the madness. #SchumerShutdown"

At 21:36 UTC, Alford posted another message stating, "UNACCEPTABLE. All of the funding that we secured through @HouseAppropsGOP is now HELD HOSTAGE by the Left’s #SchumerShutdown. Wake up, Chuck. You are hurting hardworking Americans."

Alford’s remarks come as Congress faces one of its longest government shutdowns on record, with partisan disagreements preventing passage of necessary funding bills.

Mark Alford succeeded Vicky Hartzler in representing Missouri's 4th District in Congress beginning in 2023 and is currently serving in that role. He was born in Baytown, Texas in 1963 and resides in Lake Winnebago. Alford holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin (1988).