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Southern Indiana Today

Monday, October 20, 2025

Mark Messmer criticizes Democrats over troop pay during government shutdown

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Mark Messmer, Indiana U.S. House Representative from the 8th District | https://shreve.house.gov/

Mark Messmer, Indiana U.S. House Representative from the 8th District | https://shreve.house.gov/

Congressman Mark Messmer, who represents Indiana's 8th congressional district, posted a series of tweets in mid-October 2025 addressing both rural healthcare and the ongoing federal government shutdown.

On October 16, Messmer highlighted his advocacy for local medical institutions by posting: "Great meeting with Hoosier hospital institutions like @daviesscohosp in Washington — fighting for the health and wellbeing of community! I will always stand up for rural hospitals in IN-08 and the patients they serve!" The congressman has been an outspoken supporter of healthcare access in rural Indiana.

Later that day, Messmer turned his attention to the government shutdown, now at day sixteen. He wrote: "It is Day of the #SchumerShutdown, and it’s become clear Democrats care less about paying our troops than prolonging their own political theater. Holding our troops hostage so Democrats can charge taxpayers an additional $1.5 TRILLION for free healthcare for illegal" The tweet reflects partisan tensions over budget negotiations and military pay during the shutdown.

On October 17, Messmer continued to criticize Democratic leadership as the shutdown reached its seventeenth day. He stated: "Day of the #SchumerShutdown, and our troops do not know if Democrats will let them get their next paycheck! America’s servicemembers have far more important things to worry about than whether they can feed their families! End the Schumer Shutdown and PAY OUR TROOPS!"

Government shutdowns occur when Congress fails to pass appropriations legislation funding federal agencies. During such periods, many government services are halted or reduced, and some federal employees—including members of the military—may experience delays in receiving paychecks until funding is restored.

Messmer's statements come amid broader debates over healthcare funding and immigration policy. His reference to "$1.5 TRILLION for free healthcare for illegal" alludes to Republican concerns regarding proposed spending increases tied to expanded health coverage for undocumented immigrants—a frequent point of contention in congressional budget discussions.

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