U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune criticized Democrats on March 11 for their handling of the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, saying they have walked away from negotiations and are prioritizing political interests over government funding.
The remarks highlight ongoing tensions in Congress as the DHS shutdown nears its one-month mark, affecting federal employees and raising concerns about national security and public safety. Thune said that Democrats are using the issue for election purposes rather than working toward a solution.
“Mr. President, we’re almost now a month into the Democrats’ DHS – Department of Homeland Security – shutdown,” Thune said during his Senate floor speech. “And Democrats have essentially walked away from trying to solve it.” He continued, “After almost a month of forcing DHS employees to work without pay, Democrats have shown their true colors.”
Thune referenced a statement reportedly made by a member of Democratic leadership: “We are very serene with what is going on.” He argued that this attitude demonstrates a lack of urgency in resolving the funding impasse. Thune also noted bipartisan progress earlier in the year on appropriations bills, including an agreement for full-year DHS funding with reforms requested by Democrats. However, he said that Democrats later withdrew from that agreement.
According to Thune, Republicans and the White House have made serious offers to address additional reforms but have not received engagement from Democratic lawmakers. He questioned why Democrats would walk away from negotiations when solutions appeared possible.
Thune represents South Dakota and serves as Senate Republican Whip while holding committee positions in Finance; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; and Commerce, Science and Transportation according to the official website. His legislative focus includes agriculture, energy policy, economic development initiatives, community outreach efforts, public events participation, and support for veterans according to the official website.
Concluding his remarks on the Senate floor, Thune repeated the quote attributed to Democratic leadership: “We are very serene with what is going on.” He added: “That captures it, Mr. President.”
