Senate Minority Leader John Thune is cautioning Democrats against prolonging the government shutdown following significant electoral victories in Virginia, New Jersey, and California on Tuesday night.
Buoyed by the recent election outcomes, Democrats are suggesting that their success legitimizes their stance on maintaining the shutdown. Thune argues that extending the now-36-day shutdown would be unwise, highlighting the struggles faced by countless Americans due to unpaid wages and disruptions to daily life. He stated, “Continuing the government shutdown just because we had a good election result seems like a very bad rationale.” He expressed concern that such a stance ultimately harms the American public.
The ongoing shutdown is affecting federal food assistance, early childhood education, and various healthcare services for millions, as well as disrupting air travel nationwide. Government employees, including air traffic controllers and Capitol Police, are reportedly working without pay, with some resorting to side jobs or food banks for financial support.
While some Democrats showed signs of reconsidering the extended shutdown’s impact on families, many also suggested that the battle is far from over. They are pushing to extend Obamacare subsidies that are set to expire soon. Thune has proposed a vote on these subsidies after reopening the government, but Democrats have hesitated to agree as the shutdown continues without resolution.
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders mentioned that the public expects the Democratic Party to persist in their fight, while Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut noted that the election results should bolster Democrats’ confidence in their healthcare initiatives and the broader quest for democracy.
Schumer emphasized that Democrats will not exchange health care concessions for an end to the shutdown, stating that the recent electoral success should signal to Republicans the necessity of addressing the needs of the American people.
Thune reiterated that the Republican strategy regarding the shutdown remains unchanged. Majority leaders have been resolute in refusing to negotiate on healthcare issues, including the extension of expired subsidies, until the government is reopened.
Despite differing views within the Democratic party, Thune has a cautiously optimistic outlook that the shutdown might conclude soon. He mentioned that only a handful of Democratic senators have previously shown a willingness to support a resolution to restore government funding. He noted, “It feels like there’s a lot more interest in ending the shutdown than there has been in the past, which is welcome news.”
Thune is committed to collaborating across the aisle, aiming for the necessary votes to move forward.
