Rushmore State News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate on the ninth day of the ongoing government shutdown, which he attributed to Democratic opposition to a proposed continuing resolution (CR). Thune emphasized that the resolution in question is a "clean, nonpartisan CR" that has already passed the House of Representatives and has support from 55 senators, representing a majority in the Senate.

Thune stated, "Out of 100 senators, 55 senators support this 24-page resolution sitting at the desk, which could open up the government today – because as soon as the Senate passes it, the president will sign it into law." He reiterated that the measure contains no partisan policies or riders and is intended solely to reopen the government and ensure federal employees are paid.

The senator warned that if the shutdown continues beyond the end of the day, American servicemembers would begin missing paychecks. "If Democrats can’t bring themselves to reopen the government by the end of the day, our troops – the people who protect and defend this country – will start missing their paychecks," Thune said. He cited concerns about military families facing financial hardship and referenced statements from advocates and nonprofit leaders who highlighted increased visits to food banks near military bases and additional challenges for families with deployed service members.

Thune also noted that civilian federal workers, including law enforcement officers such as Capitol Police, would be affected by missed pay starting Friday. He recalled previous statements by Democratic leaders expressing concern over shutdowns' impacts on federal workers but criticized what he described as a lack of urgency from Democrats in reopening the government.

Referencing recent public opinion polls, Thune pointed out growing voter sentiment holding Democrats responsible for the shutdown. He quoted a Morning Consult poll indicating increasing blame on Democrats and cited Harvard-Harris polling showing that 65 percent of voters believe Democrats should move to reopen the government rather than maintain their position.

Thune concluded his remarks by urging Senate Democrats to support passage of the CR: "We can solve the issue of troop pay – and every other problem we’re seeing – today, today, by passing this clean, nonpartisan CR and sending it to the president. He’s ready to sign it."

A vote on the continuing resolution was scheduled for later in the day as efforts continued to resolve the impasse and restore full government operations.