NW Twin Cities

Tom Emmer, U.S. Congressman representing Minnesota’s 6th district since 2015, has criticized Democratic lawmakers over recent government shutdown negotiations and policy decisions in a series of posts on his social media account.

On November 7, 2025, Emmer referenced comments by Rep. Jeffries regarding the length of a proposed government funding extension, stating: ".@RepJeffries 1 month ago: “A one-year extension…is not acceptable. It's a non-starter.” This flip-flop shows that, to Democrats, the government shutdown has always just been one big political game. Except no one wins, and the American people lose the most."

The following day, Emmer addressed Democratic votes on federal worker pay during the ongoing budget impasse: "Democrats are putting their political interests ahead of Americans and their lives. Yesterday, they had the chance to pay air traffic controllers and other federal workers and they voted NO. They aren’t interested in helping Americans, only themselves." This post came amid heightened concerns about disruptions to essential services due to lapses in federal funding.

Later on November 8, Emmer commented on correctional facility policies in Minnesota: "Minnesota’s only female correctional facility allowing male inmates is insane and DANGEROUS. Incarcerated women in Minnesota deserve to the opportunity for rehabilitation with dignity, not to be victimized by men in their cells. Thankful to Alicia for being a voice for these" The statement reflects ongoing debates within Minnesota regarding housing policies for transgender or gender-nonconforming inmates.

Emmer succeeded Michele Bachmann as representative for Minnesota's 6th district in 2015 after previously serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2005 to 2011. He was born in South Bend, Indiana in 1961 and currently resides in Delano. Emmer holds a BA from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks (1984) and a JD from William Mitchell College of Law (1988).