Marc Thiessen on Government Shutdown: Democrats Are Holding Federal Government Hostage

Senate Frustration Over Government Shutdown

• 📌 Senator John Thune expressed significant frustration on the Senate floor regarding the Democrats' repeated rejection of clean spending bills.
• 💡 Thune highlighted that Republicans have supported continuing funding at Biden's spending levels 13 times, but Democrats are blocking these measures.

Political Strategy and Consequences

• 🎯 Thiessen argues that shutting down the government and cutting paychecks for federal employees, military, and SNAP recipients is a poor strategy for the party out of power.
• ⚠️ He likens the Democrats' actions to hostage-taking, suggesting that negotiating with them will encourage similar tactics in the future.
• 🧠 The Washington Post editorial board is cited as agreeing with the president's stance on not negotiating under duress.

Key Deadlines and Potential Outcomes

• 🗓️ Several critical deadlines are approaching, including November 1st for SNAP benefits and military pay, and the start of open enrollment with potential premium increases.
• 📉 The Hill reported that Americans are becoming aware of the consequences, and Democratic senators are seeking a way to exit the standoff.
• ⏳ Thiessen suggests that the real pain of the shutdown is about to begin, and it's better for Democrats to resolve it sooner rather than later, as they will likely have to capitulate eventually.

Calls for Leadership and Negotiation

• 🗣️ Senator Cortez Masto suggested that leadership is hindering progress and that Donald Trump needs to be involved, as Speaker Johnson and Leader Thune await his direction.
• 🚫 Thiessen countered that it is Congress's job to fund the government, not Donald Trump's, and that negotiating with those holding the government "hostage" is not advisable.
• 🤝 The American Federation of Government Employees has urged Democrats to sign a continuing resolution, but they do not appear to be listening.