Thune Discusses Potential for Avoiding Government Shutdowns

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) expressed hope that Democrats might steer clear of government shutdowns next week, especially as they seem to be reconsidering their demands for significant funding increases in short-term government bills.

“There’s usually a way out of these situations,” Thune commented in a recent interview. However, he noted that, at this moment, he doesn’t see the Democrats’ forthcoming negotiating stance leading to a solution.

He cautioned that if Democrats stick to their demands for approximately $1.2 trillion in additional health spending in the funding bill, it could lead to shutdowns.

Thune also pointed out that the White House Budget Office’s recent guidance to agencies regarding potential government closures might not come as a surprise, particularly in light of proposed massive layoffs in programs misaligned with President Trump’s agenda.

“Everyone is aware of what’s at stake,” he mentioned, referring to the Office of Management and Budget’s director, who is known for being tough on deficit spending.

Still, Thune suggested that Democrats could prevent significant job losses for federal workers by softening their demands for healthcare concessions from Trump.

“All of this can be avoided,” Thune remarked. “If they really don’t want to head down that route, there are options available to sidestep it.”

He expressed optimism that eight Democratic senators might find the courage to break from party leadership and support a straightforward, ongoing resolution when the Senate reconvenes early next week.

Thune posed a question: “What are those eight Democrats prepared to support? What does progress look like for them?”

He indicated a willingness to discuss extending health premium subsidies before the end of the year, but underscored that spending millions to do so needs to be part of a larger discussion about cutting waste and fraud under the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare.

Democrats are also pushing for the restoration of nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts initiated by a significant bill that Trump signed into law back in July, which aimed to offset the costs of major corporate tax cuts.