Columbia News

Rep. Mark Alford, a U.S. Congressman representing Missouri’s 4th district since 2023, has voiced concerns on social media regarding the ongoing government shutdown and its impact on holiday travel, as well as criticism of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

On November 7, 2025, Alford posted: " Families are missing flights home for the holidays.

TSA + air traffic controllers working without pay.

Airports in chaos.

But Chuck Schumer says his political power is more important than YOUR holiday season. #SchumerShutdown https://t.co/gBJlQMaAQP"

Later that day, Alford announced an upcoming podcast episode with Rep. Tom Cole, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee: " NEW EPISODE OUT TOMORROW

@TomColeOK04, the Chairman of the @HouseAppropsGOP—one of the most powerful committees in Congress that I also serve on—joins me to expose the TRUTH on the Schumer Shutdown and the fight to fund America:

• What 26% of federal spending means for https://t.co/TIBY8wok7G"

In a subsequent post on November 7, Alford stated: " Airline delays. Staffing shortages. Missed flights.

Now the TOP 4 airlines are demanding the Senate pass the Republican CLEAN CR to stop this travel chaos.

But Chuck Schumer is still holding America hostage for political power.

End the Schumer Shutdown. Let America move https://t.co/2JmUdQezNi"

Alford’s comments reflect frustration over travel disruptions linked to unpaid federal workers and alleged political impasses in Congress. He specifically attributes these issues to what he calls the "Schumer Shutdown," referencing actions by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Alford has represented Missouri's 4th District since replacing Vicky Hartzler in 2023. He was born in Baytown, Texas in 1963 and currently resides in Lake Winnebago. Alford earned his BA from the University of Texas at Austin in 1988.