Sioux City Times

Senator Joni Ernst, representing Iowa in the United States Senate, used her social media platform on November 4, 2025, to address several issues related to government funding and the recent federal shutdown.

In a post made at 22:00 UTC, Ernst criticized congressional Democrats for not supporting funding measures. She wrote, "For the 14th time, Democrats chose NOT to fund SNAP, pay law enforcement or air traffic controllers, or end the hardship being inflicted on hardworking Americans."

An hour later, at 23:03 UTC, Ernst commented on the financial impact of the ongoing government shutdown. She stated, "$10 billion. That is how much has been lost during the shutdown because 750,000 non-essential federal employees have not been working for over a month. All because of Chuck Schumer." During prolonged government shutdowns in the U.S., hundreds of thousands of federal workers are often furloughed or required to work without pay until appropriations are restored.

At 23:04 UTC on the same day, Ernst acknowledged an update regarding American hostages and referenced former President Donald Trump’s role in their return. She posted, "Finally, Itay’s body can be laid to rest and his family can have a sliver of peace after this nightmare. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, all our American hostages have been returned!" The issue of American hostages abroad has remained a bipartisan concern for multiple administrations.

The context for these statements includes recent debates in Congress over budget appropriations that affect programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), law enforcement funding, and air traffic control operations. Shutdowns occur when lawmakers fail to pass necessary funding bills by set deadlines.