U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) appeared on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, where he vehemently criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and his caucus for what he labeled a "Schumer shutdown."

Thune repeatedly urged moderate Democrats to defy their leader and vote for a "clean" short-term funding resolution to reopen the government.

The South Dakota Republican blamed Democrats for four consecutive votes against a proposed "clean, nonpartisan, short-term funding resolution" designed to keep the government operating for seven weeks while appropriations discussions continue.

"The Democrats just need to open up the government. Right now, we're at a stalemate," Thune asserted, dismissing the need for significant negotiation on the continuing resolution (CR).

READ: Speaker Mike Johnson Says D.C. Was A 'Literal War Zone' Before Troop Deployment

'Hijacking' the CR

Thune accused Democrats of attempting to "hijack a short-term, nonpartisan continuing resolution" to push for an agenda that includes approximately $1.5 trillion in new spending, "free health care available to noncitizens," and the gutting of a $50 billion fund supporting rural hospitals.

"That's what they've got on the table. That's [Democrats'] proposal. It's a nonstarter. It's not serious, it's not reasonable, it's not realistic," Thune stated, emphasizing that the Republican-backed CR contained "no gimmicks, no policy riders."

Urging Democrats to Separate from Schumer

The Majority Leader directly appealed to Democratic Senators, suggesting they vote to reopen the government for the sake of their constituents.

"[Chuck Schumer's] rank-and-file members shouldn't follow his lead on this," Thune said. "This is where you need to separate from your leader and actually do the right thing for your constituents and for your country."

Thune warned that the continued shutdown is leading to "real consequences," including non-payment for essential personnel like border patrol and TSA agents, and negatively impacting programs like food assistance for women and children. Furthermore, the shutdown is sidelining other crucial work, such as the defense authorization bill, appropriations bills, and permitting reform.

READ: Virginia Gov. Youngkin 'Beyond Belief' Over 'Demented' Jones Texts: Evidence Of 'Violent Left'

Blaming 'Trump Derangement Syndrome'

Thune attributed the Democrats' strategy to external pressure from "far-left, liberal interest groups" and a political pathology he termed "blind Trump Derangement Syndrome."

"Their liberal left is insisting on it, and so their leadership is being, you know, it's the tail wagging the dog right now," Thune explained. He claimed that the opposition to the CR is driven by a desire to avoid giving President Trump any perceived "victory," even on a non-policy matter like funding the government for seven weeks.

He labeled the strategy as "irrational," noting that Democrats are "tak[ing] hostage something you actually like, which is the federal government."

READ: Chicago Mayor Johnson's 'ICE-Free Zones' Draw Fire, Critics Say Policy Shields Violent Criminals

Middle East Peace Deal

In a separate part of the interview, Thune commented on ongoing efforts for a peace deal in the Middle East, stating he was "very, very hopeful."

He credited the President and his team for their efforts in the negotiations. While acknowledging his skepticism of terrorist organizations like Hamas -- which he said ultimately needs to disarm and be eliminated -- Thune expressed hope that the deal will lead to a "peaceful outcome in that region."

Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.

Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox

Login To Facebook To Comment