U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said on March 21 that the situation at U.S. airports is worsening due to what he described as Democrats’ refusal to fund the Department of Homeland Security.
The issue, Thune said, has led to thousands of Homeland Security employees working without pay for more than a month and ongoing problems within the department. The debate over funding comes amid broader concerns about national security and law enforcement support.
In remarks delivered on the Senate floor, Thune said, “Mr. President, the situation at U.S. airports continues to worsen, thanks to Democrats’ refusal to fund the Department of Homeland Security.” He continued, “Thousands of Homeland Security employees have been working without pay for more than a month.” Thune also criticized Democrats for what he called a willingness to deprive government workers of their salaries if it serves political ends: “I guess the Democrats’ 43-day full-government shutdown from earlier this fiscal year ought to have made it clear that Democrats are happy to deprive government workers of their salaries if it serves their political ends.”
Thune argued that negotiations with Democrats have stalled despite reforms offered by the White House. He said, “So far, the concept of negotiation – which involves compromise and give-and-take – seems utterly lost [on] them.” He added his belief that some in the Democratic Party may prefer not reaching an agreement so they can use these issues in upcoming elections: “And I strongly suspect that Democrats are less interested in fixing problems than they are in having issues that they can use in the November election.”
Thune has held several leadership roles in the Senate including majority leader, Republican whip, and conference chairman according to his official website. He has served on committees such as Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Commerce, Science and Transportation; and Finance according to his official website. Thune grew up in Murdo, South Dakota where an encounter with a congressman sparked his interest in public service according to his official website. He earned degrees from Biola University and the University of South Dakota according to his official website.
Reflecting on past elections, Thune won historic victories including one against a sitting party leader and another without opposition according to his official website. Together with his wife Kimberley, he raised two daughters and now has six grandchildren while maintaining a home in Sioux Falls according to his official website.
Concluding his remarks on funding disputes ahead of November’s election season, Thune said: “So perhaps they should think twice before making defunding law enforcement and Homeland Security their signature issue this November.”
