Rushmore State News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate regarding ongoing government funding negotiations, expressing concerns about the possibility of a government shutdown if a clean continuing resolution (CR) is not passed.

During his remarks, Thune referenced previous statements from the Democratic leader about supporting clean CRs to keep the government open and emphasized bipartisan cooperation in appropriations. He stated, “You just heard the Democrat leader talk about their willingness … to fund the government, something he’s said repeatedly in the past. In fact, in the past, as I used quotes on the floor yesterday, he said he likes clean CRs – clean CRs – and that we need to keep the government open for all kinds of reasons, including people who are served by the VA hospitals, for example.”

Thune outlined efforts by both parties to advance a funding measure that would extend government operations into November. He said this approach would allow Congress additional time after September 30—the end of the fiscal year—to consider individual appropriation bills through regular order.

He noted recent progress in passing three appropriation bills before August recess, an occurrence he said had not happened since 2018. Thune called for continued use of regular appropriations processes rather than decisions made behind closed doors.

Addressing communication between party leaders, Thune remarked: “He’s suggesting that he would like to have conversations about this. Well, he knows my office is right down the hall. He knows my phone number. I haven’t heard from him.” He reiterated his proposal for a clean funding resolution and encouraged bipartisan support: “That’s what we are proposing here. That’s what I hope we will have the votes to pick up later this week.”

Thune also described ongoing discussions among Senate Appropriations Committee leaders and their House counterparts about funding measures and urged that these negotiations continue without interference from party leadership.

Highlighting concerns over a potential shutdown, Thune stated: “Now, what’s being suggested by the Democrat leader is they are willing – he’s willing, I hope they aren’t – he’s willing to shut the government down over a clean CR! Something that, last year and the year before, he said he wanted.”

He concluded by inviting further dialogue with Democratic leadership: “And to the question of whether or not he would like to sit down with me: my office is right down here, and he has my cell phone number at any time. We can do that.”

The debate over short-term funding comes as lawmakers face a deadline at the end of September to avoid a lapse in federal operations.