Des Moines Sun

Senator Chuck Grassley posted several comments on October 17, 2025, addressing the ongoing federal government shutdown and issues related to legislative procedure and executive oversight.

On the morning of October 17, Grassley referred to the continued closure of the federal government, stating, "2day is day 17 of the Schumer Shutdown". Later that day, he commented on efforts to end a filibuster in the Senate, writing, "If just a fraction of Dem senators who say they oppose filibuster in principle join bipartisan majority & vote 2 end filibuster of clean govt funding bill Fed Govt could reopen! Stop the Schumer Shutdown".

In a subsequent post, Grassley addressed President Trump's obligations regarding the removal of an Inspector General. He wrote, "Pres Trump takes an oath to uphold the constitution & the laws but he hasnt told Congress he was firing the Ex-Im Inspector General The law says POTUS has to specifically inform Congress abt IG firings and unless the courts say otherwise thats still the law".

Chuck Grassley is a U.S. Senator from Iowa and has served in Congress for several decades. Government shutdowns occur when Congress fails to pass appropriations legislation funding federal agencies. During such periods, non-essential federal operations cease until funding is restored. Filibusters are procedural actions in the Senate that can delay or block legislative action unless a supermajority votes to proceed. Federal law requires that when an Inspector General is removed by the President, Congress must be formally notified; this requirement aims to ensure oversight and accountability within executive agencies.