U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan, who has represented Florida’s 16th district in Congress since 2007, posted a series of statements on his social media account in early October 2025, addressing the ongoing government shutdown and recent developments in Middle East diplomacy.
On October 8, Buchanan asserted that House Republicans had acted to end the government shutdown. In his post, he stated: “The facts are simple:
Republicans voted to open the government.
Democrats voted to keep it closed.
@HouseGOP passed a clean CR, and the president said he’d sign it.
Senate Democrats? They’re the ones holding it up.” (October 8, 2025)
The following day, Buchanan commented on an international development regarding Israel and Gaza. He wrote: “Last night’s announcement of a historic Gaza peace agreement marks a critical first step toward peace in the Middle East.
I commend @POTUS for securing a peace plan that brings hostages home and reaffirms America’s unwavering support for Israel. ” (October 9, 2025)
Later that same day, Buchanan visited Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and met with airport officials. He highlighted concerns about the impact of the federal shutdown on aviation workers and travelers. He stated: “At @SRQAirport, I met with airport leaders to discuss how the Democrat shutdown is hurting Florida’s air traffic controllers, TSA agents and travelers.
These are real people working without pay.
Senate Democrats need to stop playing politics and open the government.” (October 9, 2025)
Vern Buchanan has represented Florida’s 16th congressional district since replacing Katherine Harris in 2007 and previously served in the Florida House of Representatives. Born in Detroit in 1951 and currently residing in Sarasota, Buchanan graduated from Cleary University and the University of Detroit Mercy.
