U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in remarks delivered on the Senate floor. Thune criticized Democrats for what he described as a needless shutdown, stating that it is the second time in less than six months that all or part of the federal government has been closed.
“Mr. President, later this evening, we’re going to hear from President Trump in his State of the Union address.
“In a little more than a year, President Trump and Republican majorities in Congress have delivered on our promises to the American people.
“From a secure border.
“To more money in Americans’ pockets.
“And as the American people will hear tonight, we’re just getting started.
“Mr. President, the Department of Homeland Security has been shut down for 11 days now.
“It’s the second time in less than six months that Democrats have needlessly shut down all or part of the federal government.
“Senators will have another opportunity today to vote to proceed to the Department of Homeland Security funding bill.
“Democrats have previously opposed getting on this funding bill.
“They opposed a continuing resolution that would have temporarily funded Homeland Security agencies while negotiations continued on immigration enforcement.
“And all signs suggest that our Democrat colleagues will once again vote against moving to DHS funding this afternoon.”
Thune emphasized that DHS oversees critical agencies such as FEMA and TSA, and noted that shutting down these departments has direct consequences for public safety and national security. He cited closures at FEMA training centers like the U.S. Fire Academy in Maryland and delays in security training ahead of upcoming events such as the World Cup. Thune also mentioned potential pay disruptions for civilian Coast Guard employees and other personnel if the shutdown continues.
He expressed concern about how repeated shutdowns affect morale among DHS employees and questioned whether Democrats are genuinely interested in reaching an agreement on funding or are seeking political advantage instead.
Thune said: “The Department of Homeland Security employs thousands of Americans. We should want the most talented and most dedicated individuals serving in these roles, but when these Americans – and their families – are routinely used as political pawns, morale suffers.”
He added: “But I guess none of that matters to Democrats.”
According to Thune, Republicans and the White House are working toward an agreement on DHS funding and have acted “in good faith” during negotiations. He referenced actions taken by the Trump administration related to law enforcement practices in Minneapolis, including deploying body cameras and requiring identification for officers. Thune said Republicans would not support measures making it harder or more dangerous for law enforcement officers to do their jobs, which he argued some Democratic proposals would do.
He concluded: “This shutdown is already hurting hardworking Americans and impacting efforts to preserve both public safety and national security. And it’s time to end it.”
John Thune represents South Dakota in the U.S. Senate where he serves as Senate Republican Whip and holds committee positions including Finance; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; and Commerce, Science and Transportation according to his official website. His legislative work focuses on agriculture, energy policy, economic development initiatives, community outreach programs, veteran support services,and casework assistance across South Dakota.
