Columbia News

Rep. Mark Alford, a U.S. Congressman representing Missouri’s 4th district since 2023, posted a series of statements on his social media account criticizing recent political developments surrounding what he terms the "Schumer Shutdown." The posts focus on the shutdown's impact and efforts to secure funding for rural hospitals in Missouri.

On November 5, 2025, Alford wrote: "America deserves better than this historic FAILURE engineered by the Left for political points. End the Schumer Shutdown. Reopen our country."

The following day, he expressed support for state-level initiatives to obtain healthcare funding: "Proud to work with our colleagues to support @GovMikeKehoe's application for this rural hospital funding. We'll keep fighting to ensure Missouri gets its fair share and STOP Democrats from canceling this historic investment through the #SchumerShutdown."

Later that same day, Alford addressed legislative disputes over healthcare costs: "NEWSFLASH: Democrats blocked GOP proposals that would REDUCE out of pocket costs for families on Obamacare by TWICE as much as the COVID tax credits they shut down the government for."

These statements come amid ongoing partisan disagreement over federal budget negotiations, with members of Congress divided along party lines regarding government spending priorities and health care policy.

Alford succeeded Vicky Hartzler in representing Missouri’s 4th district and has emphasized issues relevant to his constituents, including rural healthcare access and federal resource allocation. Born in Baytown, Texas in 1963, Alford currently resides in Lake Winnebago and holds a BA from the University of Texas at Austin (graduated 1988).