Rushmore State News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) appeared on Fox News with Sean Hannity to discuss the ongoing debate in Congress over government funding.

Thune described the current continuing resolution as a "clean, nonpartisan" measure intended to fund the government temporarily. He noted, "[The continuing resolution is] clean, it’s nonpartisan, it is short-term, it has no gimmicks, we didn’t put any partisan riders on it. I mean, this is something that should be a no-brainer around here – and it’s something, by the way, that they did 13 times when Joe Biden was in the White House and the Democrats had the majority in the Senate. They passed continuing resolutions 13 different times."

He criticized Democratic lawmakers for adding provisions to funding legislation and contrasted their current stance with previous actions when they held a majority. Thune said, "So now they’re having to run away from that record and somehow justify all this stuff they’ve loaded onto this thing … We’re in just a different universe, in a different world right now, but hopefully the American people will hold them accountable. We want to do things in the light of day. We want to be transparent."

Thune also addressed how he believes appropriations should proceed: "In the past, the way Schumer did this is they would write these bills in his office behind closed doors – and we’re trying to open it up, allow the appropriations process, bring bills to the floor, allow open amendments, and do things the way we ought to do things, which is in the light of day."

He argued that Democrats are upset about not negotiating over what he called “a short seven-week funding resolution” and $1.5 trillion in new spending: "And this is a very different business model than what he’s accustomed to and what his senators are accustomed to. So they’re trying … to load this thing up. They’re very personally hurt by the fact that we’re not negotiating on … a short, seven-week funding resolution, the $1.5 trillion in new spending that they want and all the other bells and whistles, that liberal wish list that rides with it.”

On possible impacts of a shutdown attributed by Republicans to Democratic actions on spending measures and policy riders attached by Democrats during negotiations—Thune said: "[Members of the military are] starting to work now without pay … But you’re talking about border agents, you’re talking about a lot of government employees that are doing important work keeping the country safe who are now going to be working without getting paid. And that’s what they’re doing …

“[Democrats are] sacrificing that to …the special interest far-left activist base that they have to answer to on their wish list. So loading it up with a lot of … partisan stuff.

“It is a very straightforward simple issue which… I hope the American people understand. We’re trying to keep government open; Democrats shut it down; and this is what’s going be consequence for American people.”

Thune also commented on policies regarding noncitizens’ eligibility for health care under current proposals: “They are now opening door again allowing noncitizens allowing people Joe Biden admitted into country illegally eligible for free health care – either via Medicaid or…the ACA subsidies…

“To try extort $1.5 trillion get seven-week funding resolution just keeps doors open so can finish appropriations work tells you desperate lengths taking right now…I mean…they’ve lost all rationale when comes hatred President Trump can’t see straight blinded by willing do…pretty crazy stupid things But world we’re now living in.”

Addressing divisions within Democratic ranks regarding negotiation tactics led by Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Thune said: “I think there are lot rank-and-file Democrats Sean who regretting letting Schumer walk them down into rabbit hole He is…trying go through contortions justify what doing When you’ve got all those statements out there as you point out from past where talks about ‘you can’t take federal government hostage do all these other things.’ I mean these statements made past pretty revealing…he’s completely sold out held hostage by far left…

“He’s coordinating entire strategy with lefty organizations like MoveOn.org so got him boxed here doesn’t really have way out But I…think lot rank-and-file Democrats looking off-ramp so hoping at some point come senses join us voting reopen government shouldn’t gotten themselves place first place.”