Rushmore State News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the ongoing government shutdown at a press conference with other Senate Republican leaders in Washington, D.C. Thune criticized Democratic lawmakers for their role in prolonging the shutdown and outlined its effects on Americans.

"Every day that the Democrats keep the government shut down is creating more, and worse, consequences for the American people," Thune said.

He cited White House estimates that the shutdown is costing the U.S. economy about $15 billion per week. Thune emphasized that these costs extend beyond economic impact, affecting families and individuals across the country.

"The program funding for the WIC program – Women, Infants, and Children Program – was about set to expire," he stated. He noted efforts by the White House to find ways to continue funding this program.

Thune also pointed out that programs such as telehealth and hospital-at-home have expired during the shutdown, reducing flexibility for hospitals and patients. "Hospitals are losing and patients are losing their flexibility and making it harder to cover the people who need to be covered," he said.

Federal workers' paychecks will start being affected this week due to the ongoing shutdown, which Thune warned would have "real consequences for them and their families as well."

Thune argued that Senate Democrats have voted multiple times against reopening the government despite a "clean funding resolution" passed by House Republicans. He claimed this type of resolution has been supported by Democrats on previous occasions under President Biden's administration.

"So instead, what they’ve tried to do is hijack this to get $1.5 trillion in new spending," Thune asserted. He rejected any prospects of passing such additional spending measures in connection with ending the shutdown.

He further mentioned that while Democrats want discussions about issues like the covid tax credit cliff, Republicans would only engage once the government reopens: "At some point we’re happy to have that conversation, but not until the government opens up."

Thune concluded his remarks by urging prompt action: "We have the bill in front of us... The president is ready to sign it into law. Could do it today." He called on more Democrats to join Republicans in voting to end the shutdown and reduce its impact on Americans.