Senator Thune Hopeful Government Shutdown Will End Ahead of Funding Bill Vote

Ending the Government Shutdown

• 🎯 Senator Thune expressed hope that the government shutdown, lasting 40 days, will finally come to an end.
• ✈️ He highlighted the precarious situation with air travel and the impact on staff working without pay as reasons for urgency.
• 🏛️ A vote is scheduled to advance a clean continuing resolution paired with three bipartisan year-long appropriations bills: agricultural, military construction, VA, and legislative branch.

Funding for Critical Programs

• 🍎 The appropriations bills will ensure full-year funding for SNAP (nutrition programs) and WIC.
• 🎖️ Veterans' funding will also be secured for the entire fiscal year.
• 💡 Thune stated his goal is to quickly move to other full appropriations bills, emphasizing his belief in funding the government through regular order.

Addressing Healthcare Costs

• 🩺 There is bipartisan eagerness among senators, both Democrat and Republican, to address the healthcare crisis.
• 🤝 These senators are focused on finding real solutions to lower healthcare costs for American families, not engaging in political games.
• 🧑‍⚖️ The President is also willing to engage in discussions on this issue.
• 🗓️ Thune committed to scheduling a vote on the Democrat proposal no later than the second week in December.

Moving Forward

• 🚀 Thune is optimistic that after almost six weeks, the shutdown will be ended.
• 📜 He will call up the bill shortly and looks forward to passing the clean continuing resolution and appropriations bill package soon.
• 🗳️ A motion to reconsider a closure vote on October 16th regarding HR5371 was agreed upon.