Senator John Thune on Government Shutdown and Healthcare Policy

Government Shutdown Stalemate

• ⚠️ Senator Thune criticizes Democrats for prolonging the government shutdown, which he states lasted 38 days.
• 💡 He notes that Democrats have only recently begun to entertain the idea of reopening the government.
• 🎯 Thune describes the Democratic leader's proposal as a "non-starter" and not a compromise.

Obamacare Criticisms

• 🏥 Thune argues that Obamacare, passed without Republican votes 15 years ago, has failed to lower healthcare costs as promised.
• 📈 He states that premium costs have instead increased, contrary to initial promises.
• 💰 The American Rescue Plan Act and subsequent legislation are criticized for adding taxpayer subsidies to mask rising premiums and pad insurance company profits.

Republican Proposal for Resolution

• ✅ Thune advocates for a clean funding extension as the only path to end the shutdown.
• 🏠 He mentions that the House has already passed a clean funding extension, and the President supports it.
• 🤝 Thune calls for bipartisan support, including from Democrats who have supported a clean continuing resolution, to end the shutdown and address healthcare issues.

Path Forward

• 🚀 The senator urges colleagues to support a clean continuing resolution to end the shutdown.
• 💬 This would allow for a real discussion on addressing the "healthcare mess" created by Democrats and resuming the regular appropriations process.
• 🗣️ Thune expresses hope that Democrats will join in providing relief to the American people.