Sioux City Times

Senator Joni Ernst, representing Iowa in the U.S. Senate, used her social media platform on November 5, 2025, to comment on federal government spending and to highlight National Veterans Small Business Week.

In a post made at 17:06 UTC, Ernst addressed federal real estate management during the ongoing government shutdown, stating, "The Schumer Shutdown has illustrated just how costly it is to maintain the thousands of vacant buildings in the federal government’s bloated real estate portfolio. Downsizing just a few buildings per year would save taxpayers billions." She argued that reducing the number of unused federal properties could lead to significant taxpayer savings.

Later that day at 18:16 UTC, Ernst commented on the financial implications of the shutdown for both taxpayers and workers. She wrote, "On top of the billions in lost private sector productivity, taxpayers will be on the hook for $10.4 billion to pay 750,000 non-essential federal for not working during the Schumer Shutdown." Her statement referred to compensation costs incurred by paying furloughed federal employees during periods when they are not performing their duties.

At 19:20 UTC, Ernst shifted focus to veterans' issues as part of National Veterans Small Business Week. She posted, "Ensuring veterans have every opportunity to pursue the American Dream is personal to me. During National Veterans Small Business Week, join me in celebrating these men and women who have served their country and now their communities!"

The "Schumer Shutdown" mentioned by Senator Ernst refers to a period when parts of the U.S. federal government cease operations due to lapses in funding appropriations—a situation often resulting from legislative impasses over budget agreements. During such shutdowns, many federal employees are temporarily furloughed but typically receive back pay once funding is restored.

National Veterans Small Business Week is an annual event recognizing veteran entrepreneurs and promoting resources available for veterans pursuing business ownership after military service.