Rushmore State News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate as the September 30 government funding deadline approaches. Thune stated that Republicans will propose a continuing resolution to fund the government until mid-November, allowing Congress more time to work on appropriations bills.

Thune urged Democrats to support what he described as a clean resolution, intended to avoid any reason for opposition or delay. He said, “And my hope would be that we could get this done as soon as this week, and then continue bipartisan work on appropriations bills.”

Expressing concern about the possibility of a government shutdown, Thune suggested that some Democrats appear willing to let funding lapse for political reasons. “Because incredible as it may seem, Democrats seem to be looking to shut down the government,” he said.

Thune referenced past statements from Democratic leadership about the negative consequences of a shutdown. He quoted the Democrat leader from last year: “Apparently Democrats think, and I quote, ‘that it’s perfectly fine to have VA offices close, or to endanger nutrition programs that help seven million moms and kids, or suspend disaster aid for farmers.’ Oh, wait, Mr. President, that last line wasn’t actually mine. That’s a quote from the Democrat leader just last year.”

He also cited another previous statement: “Mr. President, during a funding debate in 2023, the Democrat leader had this to say, and I quote: ‘If we are going to keep the lights on beyond this Friday, our Republican colleagues will have to work with Democrats in a bipartisan way to pass a clean extension …’ ‘… to pass a clean extension …’ Well, Mr. President, that’s exactly – exactly – what we’re offering Democrats.”

Thune criticized what he described as shifting standards by Democratic leaders regarding continuing resolutions (CRs), saying: “Two years ago that seems to have been the standard for CRs according to the Democrat leader. But today? Well, today the Democrat leader is ready to hold the CR hostage and shut down the government over extraneous policy measures.”

He noted progress made on appropriations bills this year: “And we’ve made progress on that this year, passing a package of three bipartisan appropriations bills before the August state work period – the first time that has happened literally in years.” Thune added that both chambers are moving forward with conference proceedings on these bills.

The proposed short-term continuing resolution would extend funding for seven weeks while lawmakers continue work on fiscal year 2026 appropriations. Thune concluded by urging bipartisan cooperation: “This should be an easy bipartisan vote, Mr. President. And we should pass this bill in a bipartisan fashion and then get back to work on the fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills and the other essential work here in the Senate.”

He ended his remarks by encouraging Democrats not to pursue shutdown plans and instead join Republicans in passing temporary funding.