John Thune Warns Democrats Against Government Shutdown, Cites Need for Time on Appropriations

Approaching Government Funding Deadline

• 🗓️ The September 30 government funding deadline is rapidly approaching, necessitating action to avoid a shutdown.
• 🤝 Republicans plan to introduce a continuing resolution to fund the government until mid-November, allowing Congress more time for appropriations bills.
• 🗣️ Senator Thune hopes for bipartisan cooperation to quickly pass this legislation, ideally within the week.

Concerns Over Democratic Shutdown Stance

• ⚠️ Senator Thune expresses concern that Democrats appear to be looking to shut down the government, potentially driven by a portion of their base eager to confront the Trump administration.
• ❓ He questions what Democrats believe they will gain, asking if Americans will thank them for a shutdown that could lead to VA office closures or endanger nutrition programs for moms and kids.
• ⚖️ Thune contrasts current Democratic attitudes with statements from their leader last year, who expressed concern over similar shutdowns and advocated for bipartisan work on clean extensions.

Democratic Use of Extraneous Policy Measures

• 🚩 Thune criticizes the perceived shift in Democratic strategy, suggesting they are now willing to hold continuing resolutions hostage over extraneous policy measures, a departure from previous bipartisan standards.
• 🎯 He notes that the rules seem to change for Democrats based on their perceived political advantage.
• 📉 Thune believes that while the far-left base might be enthusiastic about a shutdown, mainstream voters, particularly those lost in the last election, will not be grateful.

Progress on Regular Order and Appropriations

• ✅ Senator Thune reiterates his commitment to restoring regular order in the Senate, especially concerning appropriations bills.
• 📈 Progress has been made this year, with a package of three bipartisan appropriations bills passed before the August recess, a rare occurrence in recent years.
• ⏳ The current proposal for a short-term clean continuing resolution for seven weeks is intended to provide necessary time to consider the fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills and other essential Senate work.
• 🙏 Thune urges Democrats to reconsider their shutdown plans and join in passing the resolution.