Des Moines Sun

Senator Chuck Grassley, a senior U.S. lawmaker representing Iowa, posted several updates on October 7, 2025, addressing international conflict, domestic politics, and government oversight.

In a post marking the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israeli communities, Grassley wrote: "2 yrs ago today Hamas launched sadistic cruel attack on peaceful Israeli communities Painful 2 think abt hostages still in terrible conditions 2 years on" (October 7, 2025). The statement reflects ongoing concerns about the fate of hostages taken during the conflict that began in October 2023.

Later that morning, Grassley commented on ongoing political negotiations in Washington with a brief message: "2day is day 7 of the Schumer Shutdown" (October 7, 2025). This refers to a government shutdown attributed by some Republican lawmakers to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer amid disputes over federal funding.

Grassley also noted an upcoming Senate Judiciary Committee hearing featuring former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. He stated: "Atty General Pam Bondi before Senate Judiciary Cmte for Dept of Justice oversight hrg starts in 10 mins Tune in to see congressional oversight in action" (October 7, 2025).

The Hamas attacks referenced by Grassley occurred on October 7, 2023. Armed militants crossed from Gaza into southern Israel and killed over one thousand people while taking hundreds hostage. The event marked one of the deadliest days for civilians in recent Middle Eastern history and led to an extended period of violence and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

Government shutdowns occur when Congress fails to pass necessary appropriations bills or continuing resolutions to fund federal agencies. Such events can result in furloughs for federal employees and interruptions to public services. Disputes leading up to shutdowns often center around budget priorities and policy disagreements between parties or chambers within Congress.

Pam Bondi served as Florida's attorney general from 2011 to 2019 and has been involved in various high-profile legal matters since leaving office. Oversight hearings are routine functions of congressional committees designed to examine actions by executive branch agencies such as the Department of Justice.