Northeast South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate on Wednesday, criticizing Democrats for what he described as their role in the ongoing federal government shutdown. Thune said that essential federal employees, including military personnel, Border Patrol agents, and air traffic controllers, are currently working without pay and that several government services are unavailable or at risk.

“Democrats have bowed to the far left, and they’ve shut down the federal government,” Thune stated. He argued that Democrats are aware of the consequences of a shutdown but are prioritizing political fights over reopening the government. “All that seems to matter is that their far-left base sees them ‘fighting’ against President Trump. And the American people just have to suffer the consequences.”

Thune pointed out that a continuing resolution, which would fund the government until November 21, has already passed in the House and is ready for presidential approval. He said, “The only thing standing in the way is Senate Democrats, who are demanding $1.5 trillion in partisan spending to keep the government open for seven weeks.” Thune claimed this amount exceeds the defense budget.

He referenced past situations under Democratic leadership when Republicans provided votes to avoid a shutdown: “We were in [this] situation 13 times when Democrats had the majority under President Biden. And 13 times, Republicans provided more than enough votes to keep the government open.”

Thune called on Senate Democrats to support a clean funding extension and reopen the government before negotiating further issues. He warned that delays are affecting both appropriations work and progress on issues important to both parties.

He also cited remarks from 2019 by a Democratic leader during another shutdown: “‘Why must we hold millions of Americans who depend on the services of these Agencies that are closed—hundreds of thousands of workers who get paid by these Agencies—why must we hold them hostage? Why must a temper tantrum determine how we vote and what happens in this government? Everyone can shut down the government on anything—any leader, any President. It is not the way to do things.’”

Thune concluded by urging Democrats to reopen the government so legislative work could continue: “Democrats need to reopen the government. And we need to get back to work for the American people.”