Des Moines Sun

Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican representing Iowa, used his social media platform on November 1, 2025, to comment on the ongoing government shutdown and its impact on federal programs and services.

In a post published at 14:04 UTC, Grassley wrote, "2day is day 32 of the Schumer Shutdown". Later that day, at 18:19 UTC, he stated, "I’ve voted 13 times to open the govt The big majority of Senate Democrats hv voted ZERO times to extend govt funding at current levels incl food assistance (food stamps/WIC) + paying law enforcement/air traffic controllers + our military etc".

Grassley continued his commentary in another post at 18:22 UTC. He said, "Food stamps for 42 million Americans incl 131,000 Iowa families r in jeopardy

Food stamps cost $9 billion a month to administer

I’m calling on Sen Schumer to notify 42M Americans that due to the Schumer Shutdown their families may not be able to buy groceries w food stamps".

The term "Schumer Shutdown," as used by Grassley in these posts, refers to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and places responsibility for the ongoing government funding lapse with Democratic leadership. Government shutdowns occur when Congress fails to pass appropriations bills or continuing resolutions needed to fund federal agencies. During such periods, many federal employees are furloughed or work without pay, and some government services are suspended or delayed. Programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, can face disruptions if shutdowns persist because administrative funds may run out.

According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), SNAP provides nutrition benefits to millions of eligible low-income individuals and families across the country each month. In Iowa alone, over one hundred thousand households rely on this assistance for basic food needs.

Grassley's comments reflect ongoing partisan debate over budget negotiations and highlight concerns about how extended lapses in government funding can affect essential services for vulnerable populations.