Rep. Brian Mast, a U.S. Congressman representing Florida’s 21st district since 2017, used his social media platform this week to criticize Senate Democrats and comment on the ongoing federal government shutdown.
On November 5, Mast posted: “They’re not fooling anyone. Senate Dems have voted to keep the federal government closed 14 times now.” He followed up later that night with another post stating: “We’re now experiencing the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history—and Americans across the country are suffering as a result. I voted to keep the government open. It’s time for Democrats to do the same.” Both posts were published as Congress remained deadlocked over funding legislation.
On November 6, Mast addressed criticism of New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, writing: “I’ve heard people critiquing self-described socialist, Zohran Mamdani, about the things he has been saying since being elected. But just as important, I took notice to what I haven’t heard Mamdani say—that he is proud to be an American and of the American values that make us the”
Mast’s comments come amid heightened partisan tension in Washington during what has become the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history. As negotiations stall, lawmakers from both parties have used public statements and social media posts to outline their positions and assign blame for ongoing disruptions affecting government services nationwide.
Brian Mast succeeded Patrick Murphy in Congress after winning election in 2017 and previously served in the Florida House of Representatives. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1980, Mast resides in Fort Pierce and earned a BA from Harvard University Extension School in 2016.
