South Iowa News

On the day that marked the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) met with Iowans affected by the ongoing crisis. During a series of visits across central Iowa, Nunn listened to concerns from farmers, veterans, small business owners, families, and volunteers about how the shutdown is creating uncertainty and hardship.

“Senate Democrats just broke Washington’s record for dysfunction,” said Rep. Nunn. “As we hit the longest shutdown in American history, I spent the day with Iowa farmers, veterans, small business owners, families, and volunteers stepping up to fill the gap. Across the board, the message was clear: stop the political games and open the government.”

At Heartland Co-Op’s Avon facility in Carlisle, Nunn participated in a roundtable discussion with Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, Co-Op CEO Tim Hauschel, and other producers. The group discussed challenges such as delayed USDA payments and stalled rural development loans impacting farmers during harvest season.

“Harvest is already one of the most demanding and stressful times of year for Iowa farmers,” said Rep. Nunn. “Iowa producers told us loud and clear: the shutdown is increasing uncertainty, delaying support, and making it harder to get crops out of the field and into the market.”

“We appreciate Congressman Nunn’s willingness to listen and find solutions,” said Bobby Martens, Executive Director of Iowa Institute for Cooperatives. “The entire grain sector is struggling—farmers, our member grain and farm supply cooperatives, and supply chain partners. Demand from trade and increased domestic production of renewable fuels is critical.”

“I would like to thank Congressman Zach Nunn and Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig for meeting with the members and management team of Heartland Co-Op and for everything they’re doing for Iowa’s farmers and ranchers,” said Tom Hauschel, CEO of Heartland Co-Op. “The roundtable discussions gave our members the opportunity to share the challenges facing Iowa’s crop and livestock farmers and work with Congressman Nunn to find solutions.”

“I want to thank Congressman Nunn for organizing this week’s roundtable to hear directly from Iowa farmers about the state of Iowa’s ag economy and how the political gridlock in Washington D.C. is having very real, negative impacts on our family farms and fall conservation planning,” said Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. “I appreciate the leadership of Congressman Nunn who is doing everything he can to reopen the government and support Iowa’s hardworking farm families. The shutdown has gone on for far too long and it’s unfortunate that Democrats continue to play partisan politics by refusing to pass a clean continuing resolution.”

Later in Des Moines at Drake University Head Start program—which remains funded—Nunn heard concerns about instability affecting Head Start centers nationwide as federal grants run out.

“Head Start is a lifeline for Iowa kids and working parents,” said Rep. Nunn. “I appreciate the Drake faculty’s advocacy not just for their own students but for hundreds of Iowa families at risk of losing access if the shutdown continues.”

“While Drake University Head Start is not currently impacted by the shutdown...we recognize we’re among the fortunate,” said Lisa Proctor, Director at Drake Head Start. “Across the nation...hundreds of programs—including two in Iowa—are at risk of closure without federal funding...Sustained funding is essential...every dollar invested in Head Start returns up to $9...The ongoing shutdown threatens critical services that local families depend on every day.”

In Adel at a small business roundtable hosted at Dallas County Sheriff’s Office with representatives from regional economic organizations as well as city leaders from Adel area communities including Waukee, Clive, Urbandale, Van Meter—participants shared how delayed federal approvals are disrupting businesses.

“We appreciate Congressman Nunn’s interest in listening to concerns...This conversation allowed us to advocate for policies that support economic growth...” said Rachel Wacker from Dallas County Development Alliance.

“Thank you to Congressman Zach Nunn for joining us in Dallas County...” added Ryan Moon from Greater Des Moines Partnership.

During his visit with Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante's team after dropping off lunch at their office in Adel—the group discussed public safety operations affected by delayed federal grants due to shutdowns; they also talked about rising scam activity targeting seniors.

“Law enforcement shouldn’t have to worry about delayed federal support while they’re working overtime...” said Rep. Nunn.

“It means a lot when a member of Congress takes time...to understand how scams are impacting our community,” Sheriff Infante noted.

Nunn highlighted bipartisan bills—the GUARD Act providing law enforcement blockchain tracing tools; TRAPs Act encouraging collaboration among law enforcement agencies against fraud.

Finally at WayPoint Resources food pantry in Waukee—staff reported an increase in demand as more than 130,000 households rely on SNAP benefits which are only partially funded during this period.

“When Washington falls short,Iowa steps up...But we can’t expect food pantries to carry full burden.We need end shutdown...” stated Rep.Nunn

“The current pause in SNAP benefits is an urgent local issue.Families who’ve never needed help before are walking through our doors every day.We’ve seen six times number new families seeking food assistance just past week...” said Melissa Stimple Executive Director Waypoint Resources.“We appreciate Congressman Nunn taking time see impact firsthand..."