Senate Staying In Session
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) sent a clear message this weekend: Republicans aren’t leaving Washington until Democrats help reopen the government.
The government shutdown — now at Day 39 — shows no signs of ending, as the Biden-backed Democrats continue blocking progress and demanding more spending.
GOP Stays in Washington While Democrats Stall
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Thune confirmed the Senate will remain in session until a breakthrough is reached.
Lawmakers had been scheduled to recess for Veterans Day, but Thune canceled plans to ensure the Senate keeps working.
“This is about responsibility and results,” Thune said, signaling the GOP’s commitment to ending the shutdown and protecting American taxpayers.
Democrats Push More Spending — Republicans Push Back
On Friday, Democrats proposed a one-year extension of ObamaCare-era health subsidies, a “clean” spending bill, and a massive three-bill spending package known as a minibus.
Republicans quickly shot down the plan, calling it another reckless spending spree that ignores inflation, border security, and America’s working families.
Thune emphasized that talks have continued through the night and that progress is being made:
“We’re getting close. It’d be great to vote today, but we need the votes to actually pass it,” he said.
GOP Pushes for Real Solutions, Not Handouts
Thune described bipartisan discussions as “positive” but warned that time is running out. He also declined to confirm how long the next short-term bill might last.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) said many Republicans favor a January 30th extension — a short-term fix to buy time for a real solution, not another spending binge.
Before Democrats revived their push for more tax credit extensions, negotiators were working toward a leaner, more responsible plan — one that funds critical services without padding Washington’s bureaucracy.
Thune made it clear that Republicans will guarantee Democrats a fair process — but not a blank check.
“We can promise a process, not an outcome,” Thune said, underscoring that fiscal discipline, not political theater, must guide the Senate’s decisions.
Republicans Stand Firm: “America First”
The message from GOP leadership is unmistakable: Republicans are staying in Washington until the government reopens responsibly.
They’re refusing to cave to Democratic pressure tactics or wasteful spending deals that would further punish taxpayers already stretched thin by Biden’s inflation crisis.
For millions of Americans watching the standoff, the GOP’s position is clear — it’s time to put the American people first, not political games in Washington.
