(LISTEN): U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-Raymore) discusses government shutdown on "Wake Up Missouri"

The federal government is currently in a partial shutdown after the midnight funding deadline passed with Democrats and Republicans unable to come to an agreement on a funding bill. Both sides blames the other. U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-Raymore), who represents Columbia, Hallsville, Centralia and Sturgeon on Capitol Hill, joined hosts Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell live this morning on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." Congressman Alford blames U.S. Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) and other Democrats, saying congressional Democrats are holding Americans hostage. Congressman Alford also discussed rural health care and rural hospitals during the live interview. He's currently visiting the 18 rural hospitals in his district, adding that they must be protected: