Sarasota Review

Congressman Greg Steube, who represents Florida's 17th congressional district, made a series of statements on social media in early October 2025 regarding the federal government shutdown and Yom Kippur.

On October 1, Steube posted: "Democrats shut down the government because they expect you to pay the medical bills of illegals. We are done subsidizing lawlessness. Criminals deserve deportation, not taxpayer-funded handouts. And the American people deserve better than the #SchumerShutdown."

The following day, he shared a message for the Jewish community: "I wish all of our Jewish friends and neighbors here in Southwest Florida a meaningful Yom Kippur. May this Day of Atonement bring peace, reflection, and renewal. G’mar Chatimah Tovah." This post was made on October 2.

Later on October 2, Steube reiterated his position regarding responsibility for the government shutdown: "Chuck Schumer and Democrats shut down the government because they expect you to pay the medical bills of illegal aliens. It’s just that plain and simple. They are willing to hold our nation hostage if it means handouts for violent criminals. That’s what the Schumer Shutdown is".

These statements reference ongoing debates within Congress over immigration policy and funding allocations during recent appropriations negotiations that led to a temporary lapse in federal funding—commonly referred to as a government shutdown. Disagreements between House Republicans and Senate Democrats have previously resulted in similar shutdowns when consensus on budget priorities could not be reached.

Yom Kippur is considered one of the holiest days in Judaism, marked by fasting and reflection among Jewish communities worldwide.