John Thune
03/10/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/10/2026 16:13
Thune: Democrats are Standing in the Way of a Solution They Say They Want
Thune: Democrats are Standing in the Way of a Solution They Say They Want
"[E]very attempt that [Republicans] have made to sit down and try and get this Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill across the finish line has been rebuffed by the Democrats with prejudice."
March 10, 2026
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WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership:
Thune's remarks below (as delivered):
"Shamefully, the Democrats have put us into another government shutdown.
"This is day 25 of the shutdown for the Department of Homeland Security.
"We have tried repeatedly to engage them on a path forward.
"The White House has attempted to do that.
"By the way, the White House submitted their last offer to the Democrats 12 days ago.
"Twelve days ago, no response.
"And so here we are with important agencies of government that have vital national security and homeland security roles, people not getting paid.
"You're starting to see the lines at the airports because TSA employees aren't getting paid.
"Obviously, cybersecurity falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security.
"Border security, you can go right down the list, FEMA, these are agencies that have a profound impact on the safety and security of the American people.
"And the Democrats have opted to, in the most cynical way, play politics.
"I mean, … how much more cynical can you get than to play politics with issues that affect Homeland Security?
"But that seems to be where they are.
"Obviously, we're going to do everything we can to continue to make the case that we need to get DHS opened up.
"In fact, Senator Britt last week offered, a couple different times, unanimous consent requests to fund that department and those agencies and to allow additional time for discussion with the Democrats so we could at least get into the negotiation.
"And they resisted that as well.
"So, every attempt that we have made to sit down and try and get this Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill across the finish line has been rebuffed by the Democrats with prejudice.
"And honestly, ladies and gentlemen, I don't know how you can sustain that position or defend that position in light of everything that's going on in the world and the dangerous situation the United States finds itself in."
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