Sioux City Times

Senator Joni Ernst, representing Iowa, has used her social media platform to criticize Democratic lawmakers over the ongoing government shutdown and to express support for Iowa farmers.

On October 10, 2025, Ernst posted a tweet criticizing Democratic leaders regarding the government shutdown. She wrote, "First, Schumer said every day of the shutdown gets better, now Democrats are admitting they could care less unless passenger planes crash. It’s crystal clear that this is a game for Democrats and they don't care about the harm they are inflicting on hardworking Iowans."

Later that same day, Ernst addressed the financial implications of the shutdown in another tweet. She stated, "Democrats voting to keep the government closed last night means taxpayers are on the hook for $3.2 billion in backpay for 750,000 federal employees that are doing nothing during the Schumer Shutdown. That figure will grow by $400 million every workday that Democrats’ political".

On October 12, 2025, Ernst shifted focus to agriculture, posting a message of appreciation for farmers. She tweeted, "Happy National Farmer’s Day to the hardworking men and women who feed and fuel our world! I will always fight for our Iowa farmers!"

The ongoing government shutdown referenced by Ernst has resulted in the furlough of hundreds of thousands of federal employees. During previous shutdowns, Congress has typically approved back pay for these workers once the government reopens. The $3.2 billion cited by Ernst refers to the estimated cost of compensating furloughed employees, a figure that increases with each additional day the shutdown continues.

Senator Ernst's comments reflect broader partisan disagreements in Congress regarding federal funding and government operations. Her remarks highlight concerns about the economic impact on both federal employees and Iowa residents.