Rushmore State News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) appeared on Fox Business with Larry Kudlow to discuss ongoing government funding negotiations and criticize Democratic lawmakers' approach to the issue.

During the interview, Thune addressed Congress's responsibility to keep the government running. He said, "Nobody likes shutdowns. … Nobody gains from a shutdown, Larry. But the truth is, in this case, we’ve put before [Democrats] something they voted for 13 times when Biden was president and when the Democrats [had] the majority in the Senate – a short-term funding resolution to keep the government open while we consider, in this case, other appropriations bills to fund the government for the full year."

Thune argued that Democrats have shifted focus away from what he described as a straightforward funding measure. "This is very straightforward, but [Democrats] have decided to hijack it and make it about everything else on their agenda, most of which is … $1.5 trillion in new spending … [and] free health care available to noncitizens. This is what they’ve staked their claim on. And they’re wrong …"

He emphasized his hope that "the American people see through it and understand that we do have a clean funding resolution, something [Democrats] voted on 13 times in the past, and it will keep the government open." Thune added that discussions on other issues could happen after reopening: "If [Democrats] want to have a conversation about some of these other issues, I’ve said we’re open to that, but you’ve got to open up the government first."

Thune also accused Democrats of hypocrisy regarding shutdowns: "I think when the impact of this shutdown starts really being felt, I believe there are some Democrats who are going to say, ‘You know, this isn’t a good position for us to be in,’ and come and work with us to keep the government open …"

Addressing concerns over Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits expiring—a result of provisions set during pandemic relief—Thune stated: "We’ve told [Democrats] we’ll have a conversation about … the ACA tax credits. Although that, in and of itself, is another issue that the Democrats created because they put the expiration date in place. They … expanded these … tax credits, in a way that was supposed to be responsive to covid; well, covid is no longer with us. So this is a problem of their own making, and now they want us to … bail them out of this mess. But we’re not going to have that conversation until the government gets opened up."

On health care policy more broadly, Thune criticized current ACA subsidies: "The ACA tax credits are rife with fraud, waste, and abuse. They are subsidies to insurance companies – nothing more, nothing else. And there’s no cap on income. I mean, you can make half a million dollars now, 600 grand in some places, and be eligible for federal assistance under this program. So it’s desperately in need of reform …"

He noted efforts made by Republicans within recent legislation: "We want to make sure that people in this country have access to affordable health care. Obviously people on Medicaid, Medicare ... In One Big Beautiful Bill," referencing recent legislative reforms aimed at preserving Medicaid for those most in need.

Thune further criticized states like California for using provider taxes strategically: "... take these provider taxes and ... get a higher FMAP from the federal government ... then rebate those taxes back ... use resources to cover illegals." He claimed such practices distort federal programs.

"Now the Democrats ... want to put that all back in play ... They’re issues that ... we think need to be addressed on behalf of the American people," Thune said regarding broader reforms but insisted changes should not negatively affect taxpayers or inflate costs.

He concluded by expressing willingness for further discussion after resolving current funding impasses: "So we’re willing to have that conversation Larry but it doesn’t fit here."