Senate Majority Leader John Thune said on March 10 that Democrats are responsible for the ongoing government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security. Thune made his remarks during a press conference with Senate Republican leadership in Washington.
The shutdown, now in its 25th day, has led to disruptions in several federal agencies, including those responsible for national security and public safety. Thune said, “Shamefully, the Democrats have put us into another government shutdown.” He added that important agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency are impacted, with employees not receiving pay and airport lines growing longer.
Thune also said that efforts to negotiate with Democrats have been unsuccessful. “We have tried repeatedly to engage them on a path forward,” he said. According to Thune, the White House submitted its last offer to Democrats twelve days ago but has yet to receive a response. He continued, “Every attempt that we have made to sit down and try and get this Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill across the finish line has been rebuffed by the Democrats with prejudice.”
Thune represents South Dakota in the U.S. Senate and serves as Senate Republican Whip. He holds committee positions on Finance; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; and Commerce, Science and Transportation according to his official website. His work includes community outreach, support for veterans, advocacy for agriculture, energy policy, economic development initiatives, and providing constituent services such as casework assistance according to his official website.
Thune concluded his remarks by questioning how anyone could defend keeping vital security agencies closed given current global risks. “Honestly, ladies and gentlemen, I don’t know how you can sustain that position or defend that position in light of everything that’s going on in the world and the dangerous situation the United States finds itself in.”
The broader impact of this shutdown continues to affect federal workers and public services nationwide while negotiations remain at an impasse.
