Rep. Andy Biggs, a U.S. Congressman representing Arizona’s 5th district since 2017, used his social media account on October 1, 2025, to address the ongoing federal government shutdown and attribute responsibility to Democratic lawmakers.
In a tweet posted at 15:20 UTC, Biggs wrote, “Democrats own this shutdown.”
Later that day at 15:37 UTC, he expanded on his position with another statement: “Fact check: FALSE.
1. Democrats own this shutdown. House Republicans passed a bill to keep the government open, and Democrats refused.
2. Your own state advertises health insurance for illegal aliens through Medicaid.
Stop lying to the American people.”
At 17:18 UTC on the same day, Biggs addressed congressional compensation during the shutdown period, stating: “Members of Congress are no more important than American citizens.
I’m asking for my pay to be withheld until the Democrats come to their senses and reopen the federal government.
Many congressional Republicans made the same request. Our Democrat colleagues can’t say the same.”
Andy Biggs has represented Arizona’s 5th District in Congress since replacing Richard Miranda in 2017 and previously served in the Arizona Senate from 2013 to 2017. Born in Tucson in 1958 and currently residing in Gilbert, Biggs holds degrees from Brigham Young University (BA) and the University of Arizona (JD).
