Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune addressed the Senate floor today, urging Democrats to make a decision on government funding as the deadline approaches. Thune criticized Democrats for their handling of the fiscal year 2025 appropriations process.

"Mr. President, as the expression goes, it’s time for Democrats to fish or cut bait," Thune stated. He emphasized that with only two days left until government funding expires, Democrats must choose whether to support the House's funding legislation or risk a government shutdown.

Thune pointed out that "the Democrat leader came to the floor yesterday afternoon and had the nerve to complain about the House bill." The Democratic leader suggested another short-term funding measure to allow more time for bipartisan negotiations.

Thune questioned how long this process should continue, noting, "We are already nearly six months into the 2025 fiscal year." He argued that it is overdue to finalize fiscal year 2025 funding.

He criticized past actions by Democratic leadership, stating, "The reason we’re stuck here... is because the Democrat leader refused to consider appropriations bills last year." According to Thune, Senators Murray and Collins had advanced 11 of 12 appropriation bills by July last year, but none were brought to the floor by the then-majority leader.

Despite his opposition to continuing resolutions (CRs), Thune expressed support for one in this situation: "At this point our best option is a continuing resolution to fund the remainder of fiscal year 2025."

Looking ahead, Thune committed to restoring regular-order appropriations: "My goal is to schedule floor action for every fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill that comes out of committee."

Thune concluded by calling on Democrats to accept responsibility and cooperate with Republicans: "It’s time for the Democrat leader to acknowledge that it’s his decisions that put us here."