Des Moines Sun

Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican representing Iowa, posted a series of tweets on October 9, 2025, addressing the ongoing government shutdown, legislative efforts to address campus sexual assault, and the impact of the shutdown on members of the Iowa National Guard.

In his first post on October 9, Grassley referred to the government shutdown as the “Schumer Shutdown,” writing, "2day is day 9 of the Schumer Shutdown".

Later that day, Grassley highlighted bipartisan efforts to address campus safety. He stated, "Sen Gillibrand & I reintroduced our bipart Campus Accountability & Safety Act to combat sexual assault on college campuses We hv 2 do more to protect students & bring perpetrators 2 justice".

Grassley also expressed concern about the consequences of the government shutdown for military personnel. In a tweet posted at 21:26 UTC, he wrote, "Members of the Iowa natl guard are heroically serving their country & 18,000 of them are deployed away from their families right now If Democrats continue to block govt funding our troops won’t get paid +2/3 of the Iowa natl guard are furloughed This is WRONG Wake up Schumer".

The federal government periodically faces shutdowns when Congress fails to pass appropriations bills or continuing resolutions needed to fund government operations. During these periods, non-essential federal employees may be furloughed and some government services suspended. Essential personnel, such as members of the armed forces, often continue working without pay until funding is restored.

Grassley's comments come amid ongoing debates in Congress over budget priorities and funding allocations. The Campus Accountability and Safety Act has been introduced in previous sessions with bipartisan support but has not yet become law.