Senate Majority Leader John Thune recently appeared on âSunday Morning Futures,â engaging with host Maria Bartiromo about the current stalemate over the government shutdown, with Democrats leading the resistance.
âWhatâs the state of negotiations at the moment?â Bartiromo inquired.
Thune responded, âTo be frank, Maria, thereâs very little to negotiate. The Democrats need to simply agree to open the government. We find ourselves at an impasse. Theyâve had four opportunities to vote on a clean, non-partisan, short-term funding resolution to keep government operations afloat for the next seven weeks. Yet, they have turned down each chance.â
âEssentially, whatâs happening is the Democrats aim to exploit a simple, temporary funding solution not just to maintain operations, but also to push through an agenda that could include a massive $1.5 trillion in new spending and the implementation of free healthcare for non-citizens,â Thune elaborated on the Democratsâ strategy.
âItâs crucial for the Democrats to recognize that the immediate course of action is to reopen the government. Once thatâs accomplished, we can discuss their other priorities,â he emphasized.
âAnalysts are suggesting this shutdown might extend for weeks rather than days. Whatâs your prediction?â Bartiromo asked.
Thune clarified that the resolution hinges on whether Democrats are willing to unite with Republicans to reach the requisite 60 votes for legislative passage.
âThe length of this shutdown is entirely in the hands of the Democrats. They hold the keys right now,â he stated emphatically. âWe require just five additional Democrat Senators to stand with us for the 60 votes necessary to pass legislation in the Senate.â
Furthering his point, Thune attributed the root cause of the shutdown to Democratic leaders who are allegedly tethered to far-left interest groups.
âThis is indeed a Schumer shutdown,â Thune declared, assigning blame to Chuck Schumerâs instigation, motivated by extremist liberal factions. However, he noted that some Democrats are reportedly reaching across the aisle to find common ground with Republicans.
âThis shutdown could prove to be quite damaging for the Democrats, creating real hardship for Americans nationwide,â Thune warned.
âHave you identified five Democrats who may be inclined to vote with Republicans?â Bartiromo pressed.
âThere are ongoing dialogues, Maria. Several Democrats seem to be waking up to the reality that this strategy is ineffective and offers no viable escape route. Theyâre initiating discussions with Republicans,â Thune revealed.
âAt present, I sense their leadership is ensnared, largely because these left-leaning special interest groups are relentless in their opposition to President Trump,â he concluded.
Watch:
Today, exclusively on @SundayFutures with @MariaBartiromo, Senate Majority Leader John Thune @LeaderJohnThune spoke about the majority of Senate Democrats refusing to back a short-term CR to reopen the federal government.@FoxNews pic.twitter.com/hjwpsYrJwh
â SundayMorningFutures (@SundayFutures) October 5, 2025