Thune Says Shutdown Can Be Avoided

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is warning that Democrats are risking a catastrophic government shutdown with their radical health care demands. With a critical funding deadline looming Wednesday at midnight, Thune says the crisis is “avoidable” — but only if Democrats step back from their extreme agenda.

“There’s always a way out,” Thune told the Associated Press. “But the Democrats’ current position won’t get us there.”

Democrats Push Extreme Health Care Demands

At the center of the standoff are Democrat-backed proposals to dramatically expand health insurance subsidies and reverse key reforms passed by Republicans earlier this year.

Thune said if Democrats refuse to compromise, a shutdown is inevitable.

“If they don’t dial back their demands, we’re probably plunging forward toward a shutdown,” Thune warned.

This is just the latest chapter in Washington’s never-ending budget battles.

• During President Donald Trump’s first term, Democrats fought him over funding the U.S.-Mexico border wall, leading to the longest shutdown in U.S. history.
• Now, Democrats are the ones holding the government hostage, pushed by their far-left base to block Trump’s America First policies at all costs.

White House Warns of Thousands of Layoffs

As the clock ticks, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a stark warning on Wednesday:

Federal agencies should prepare for permanent layoffs if Democrats force a shutdown.

This could mean thousands of government workers losing their jobs, streamlining bloated federal agencies and cutting wasteful spending.

Democrats lashed out immediately.

• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called the move an “intimidation tactic.”
• He promised to fight any layoffs in court, claiming the administration would eventually hire the workers back.

Thune didn’t criticize the memo, noting that OMB Director Russ Vought has long been committed to reducing bureaucracy and cutting big government.

“Nobody should be surprised,” Thune said. “Russ Vought has been clear about his mission to cut waste.”

Republicans Offer a Clean Solution

Thune says there’s still hope to avoid disaster if just seven Democrats cross party lines and vote with Republicans to pass a clean, seven-week stopgap bill that has already passed the House.

This temporary funding measure would keep the government open while negotiations continue — without giving in to radical Democrat demands.

“What would eight Democrats be willing to support?” Thune asked. “That’s the path forward.”

However, not all Republicans are on board:

• Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) opposed the measure in preliminary votes last week.
• This means every single Democrat vote is even more crucial.

A rival Democrat proposal also failed to reach 60 votes, leaving the clean GOP bill as the only viable option.

Trump Cancels Democrat Meeting

Tensions reached a boiling point when President Trump abruptly canceled a planned meeting with Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).

Trump took to Truth Social, writing:

“No meeting with their Congressional Leaders could possibly be productive.”

Thune confirmed he discussed the decision with Trump but kept details private, saying only that Trump “came to the conclusion it would not be productive.”

Despite the canceled meeting, Thune believes Trump remains open to negotiation, particularly on expiring health care subsidies that could drive sharp premium increases for many Americans if left unaddressed.

However, Thune stressed that reform must be part of any extension, a position Democrats strongly oppose.

The Final Countdown: Less Than 24 Hours

When the Senate reconvenes Monday, lawmakers will have just over one day to prevent a shutdown.

Thune said he plans to reintroduce the rejected GOP bills, giving Democrats “multiple chances” to avoid a crisis before the clock strikes midnight Wednesday.

“I don’t think shutdowns benefit anybody — least of all the American people,” Thune said. “Cooler heads need to prevail.”

If Democrats refuse to cooperate, Americans could face:

• Closed federal offices and services
• Thousands of layoffs
• Major disruptions to health care and social programs
• Economic uncertainty right before the holiday season

Key Takeaways for Conservative Voters

• Democrats are holding the government hostage over far-left health care policies.
• Republicans have a clean solution ready to keep the government open.
• President Trump is standing firm against wasteful spending and radical demands.
• The final deadline is Wednesday at midnight — time is running out.

Why This Matters

This showdown isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet — it’s about the future of America’s government and economy.

If Democrats succeed, it will embolden the radical left and expand Washington’s control over health care and spending.

If Republicans prevail, it will mark a major victory for fiscal responsibility, border security, and American taxpayers.