Northeast South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate regarding the approaching September 30 government funding deadline. Thune stated that Republicans plan to introduce a continuing resolution to fund the government until mid-November, allowing Congress additional time to work on appropriations bills.

“We will be putting forward a clean resolution to ensure there is no reason for Democrats to oppose this bill and delay passage,” Thune said. He expressed hope that Democrats would cooperate to pass the legislation quickly so that bipartisan work on appropriations could continue.

Thune voiced concerns about what he described as Democratic opposition to passing the resolution. “Because incredible as it may seem, Democrats seem to be looking to shut down the government,” he said. Thune suggested that some in the Democratic base are seeking confrontation with the Trump administration and that Democratic leadership is following suit.

He questioned whether Democrats believe their actions would be supported by Americans affected by a shutdown. Thune referenced past statements from Democratic leaders expressing concern over the impact of government shutdowns on services such as VA offices, nutrition programs, and disaster aid for farmers.

“Apparently Democrats think, and I quote, ‘that it’s perfectly fine to have VA offices close, or to endanger nutrition programs that help seven million moms and kids, or suspend disaster aid for farmers.’ Oh, wait, Mr. President, that last line wasn’t actually mine. That’s a quote from the Democrat leader just last year,” Thune said.

He also cited remarks made during a 2023 funding debate: “If we are going to keep the lights on beyond this Friday, our Republican colleagues will have to work with Democrats in a bipartisan way to pass a clean extension …” He continued quoting: “‘…to pass a clean extension …’ Well, Mr. President, that’s exactly – exactly – what we’re offering Democrats.”

Thune criticized what he described as shifting standards among Democratic leaders regarding continuing resolutions and accused them of holding up legislation for political reasons.

He reiterated his commitment to restoring regular order in Senate proceedings related to appropriations bills. According to Thune, progress has been made this year with passage of three bipartisan appropriations bills before August—a milestone not reached in years—and recent action by the House toward conferencing on those bills.

“But we need more time to consider the 2026 bills, which is why we’re considering this short-term continuing resolution,” he said.

Thune called for bipartisan support for what he described as a “short-term, clean continuing resolution – for just seven weeks.” He urged colleagues: “And we should pass this bill in a bipartisan fashion and then get back to work on the fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills and the other essential work here in the Senate.”

“Mr. President, I hope that Democrats will think better of their shutdown plans and join us,” Thune concluded.