In Washington, Senate Majority Leader John Thune criticized ongoing shutdown negotiations, labeling them “stupid” and ineffective. He expressed skepticism about achieving substantial progress with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer during an interview with NBC News.
Thune’s Call for Action
Thune emphasized the urgency of voting for a clean, short-term funding bill to reopen the government. He noted that such a resolution would allow Congress to continue its appropriations work, which was initiated earlier this year.
Negotiations Stalled
Since a recent meeting with President Donald Trump, discussions between Republican and Democratic leaders have stalled. The government shut down for the first time in six years, and a resolution seems distant. Schumer and Democratic leaders insist that any funding agreement must include an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies.
- Date of Shutdown: Wednesday
- Duration Since Last Shutdown: Six years
- Upcoming Vote: 1:30 p.m. ET on Friday
- Senate Vote Schedule: Potential for no votes over the weekend
Thune’s Perspective
Thune maintains that Republicans will not negotiate on tax credits until the government is reopened. He criticized using shutdowns as leverage for unrelated policy issues, insisting that no one benefits from a government closure.
During the interview, Thune pointed out that avoiding the shutdown is possible if Democrats cooperate. He defended Trump’s administration amidst criticisms of plans that could lead to federal layoffs and cuts to funding for projects in states governed by Democrats.
Schumer’s Response
In response, Schumer indicated that public sentiment is turning against Republicans, who hold significant power in Washington. He accused Trump of governing through chaos, asserting that the ongoing shutdown is causing widespread discontent among Americans.
This week, the Senate has scheduled critical votes concerning the government’s funding. If proposals fail again, Thune anticipates a hiatus in legislative activity until Monday. The outcome of these votes is crucial in determining the length of the government shutdown.
