Des Moines Sun

Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican representing Iowa, posted several comments on October 16, 2025, addressing both domestic and international issues. In his tweets, Grassley criticized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer regarding the ongoing federal government shutdown and also commented on religious freedom in China.

In a post from October 16, Grassley stated, "Schumer's shutdown doesn’t help anyone It doesn’t help the 18,000 federal workers in Iowa facing furloughs +delayed paychecks". Later the same day, he added, "Schumer's shutdown certainly doesn’t help farmers in Iowa who rely on their local FSA offices #cornwatch #soybeanwatch".

Grassley also addressed international religious freedom concerns in a separate tweet: "Very upsetting that Communist China has arrested pastors of Zion Church simply 4 practicing their Christian faith according 2 their conscience Gen Secretary Xi- FREE THE PASTORS!!".

The federal government shutdown referenced by Grassley has resulted in furloughs and delayed paychecks for thousands of federal employees. According to recent reports, approximately 18,000 federal workers in Iowa have been directly affected by the lapse in government funding. The closure of local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices has also disrupted services critical to farmers across the state, impacting agricultural operations that depend on timely support and assistance.

Grassley's comments regarding China refer to ongoing reports of religious persecution against Christian communities, including the arrest of pastors at unregistered churches such as Zion Church. Human rights organizations have documented increased restrictions and detentions targeting religious leaders under President Xi Jinping's administration.