Rushmore State News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate on the second day of a government shutdown, criticizing Democrats for rejecting what he described as a "clean, nonpartisan funding bill" intended to keep the government open while bipartisan appropriations discussions continue.

Thune noted that no votes would take place that day out of respect for Jewish colleagues observing Yom Kippur, but indicated that voting would resume the following day. He said Democrats would have another chance to pass the proposed funding extension.

"Mr. President, we are into the second day of a government shutdown, after Democrats once again rejected a clean, nonpartisan funding bill to keep the government open while we continue bipartisan appropriations work," Thune stated.

He acknowledged political pressure on Democratic lawmakers from progressive groups and referenced public opposition to the shutdown. "A robust majority of American voters are against a government shutdown," Thune said.

Thune cited comments from an unnamed Democratic House member who attributed the shutdown to internal party politics and criticized its impact on Americans and the economy: "'This government shutdown is the result of hardball politics driven by the demands far-left groups are making for Democratic Party leaders to put on a show of their opposition to President Trump. The shutdown is hurting Americans and our economy … [N]ormal policy disagreements are no reason to subject our constituents to the continued harm of this shutdown.'"

He also mentioned statements from organizations such as the National Fraternal Order of Police, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Teamsters opposing a shutdown. Quoting Teamsters’ president, Thune said: "'A shutdown will hurt working people. Period. … Senators should … pass the House-passed clean, short term funding bill.'"

Thune argued that Republicans were not seeking new policies or partisan concessions in exchange for passing temporary funding: "We are not asking Democrats to swallow a list of new Republican policies or partisan demands. Not in there."

He emphasized ongoing bipartisan efforts in appropriations and pointed out that some Democrats had joined Republicans in supporting measures to reopen government operations: "So far three of our Democrat colleagues have joined Republicans to attempt to reopen the government."

Thune concluded by referencing past support among Democrats for similar continuing resolutions during previous administrations and called for bipartisan action: "Democrats voted for clean CRs like the one before us 13 times – 13 times – during the Biden administration. I hope they’ll join us to pass this clean CR and reopen the government for hardworking Americans."