John Thune Blames Democrats for Government Shutdown Over Funding Bill

Government Shutdown Over Funding Bill

• 📌 Senator John Thune states that the Democrat caucus in the Senate has chosen to shut down the government over a clean, nonpartisan funding bill.
• 🎯 Thune emphasizes that Republicans did not ask Democrats to accept new policies or partisan riders, only to extend existing funding levels.
• 💡 The reason for the Democratic refusal, according to Thune, is that far-left interest groups and members desired a showdown with the president.
• ⚠️ Thune asserts that Senate Democrats have sacrificed the American people to partisan interests, suggesting that groups like MoveOn.org are pleased with this outcome.

Reopening the Government

• 🤝 Thune expresses hope that a few Democrats will join Republicans to pass the clean funding bill and reopen the government.
• 💼 He believes this action would allow them to resume bipartisan appropriations work and focus on the business of the American people.

Public Opinion and Priorities

• 🗣️ Thune notes the irony of the Democrat leader characterizing the New York Times as biased, suggesting that the majority of the American people do not want "sideshows" or "hostage taking."
• ✅ He believes Americans want their elected representatives to get down and do the work they were sent to do, including getting the appropriations process back on track.