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Thune sidesteps Mike Johnson recess criticism

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 6:38 GMT by Washington Examiner
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John Thune Warns of a Government Shutdown as the House Concludes Its Recess

In the waning days of the House of Representatives’ current recess, Senator John Thune (R‑SD) has sounded a stark warning about the looming threat of a federal shutdown. The South Dakota Republican, who chairs the Senate Budget Committee and has long been a vocal advocate for fiscal discipline, cited the House’s decision to close for the summer as a catalyst that could trigger a funding stalemate if bipartisan compromise stalls.

The Timing of the Recess

The House’s summer recess, which began on June 1 and runs through August 1, provides a natural pause in legislative activity. Thune argued that the timing is critical. “We’re already approaching the fiscal year‑end deadline on September 30, and the House’s shutdown is effectively a ticking clock,” he told reporters on the Capitol’s West front. “If we do not reach an agreement on a continuing resolution or a budgetary framework before the next session, the likelihood of a shutdown rises sharply.”

Budget Negotiations and the Fiscal Year Deadline

Under federal law, appropriations for the new fiscal year must be enacted by September 30. In the absence of a full-year budget or a short‑term stopgap, the government would automatically cease to receive funds and services could halt. Thune called for a “comprehensive budget package that meets the needs of the nation while maintaining our fiscal responsibility.” He criticized what he saw as a “lack of vision” from Democratic leadership and urged Republican leaders to step up, noting that the GOP holds a majority in both chambers.

Calls for Bipartisan Cooperation

Thune’s warning was not a one‑sided criticism. He emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation. “Our country’s security, infrastructure, and people depend on a stable government,” he said. “It’s not about party politics; it’s about ensuring that the nation continues to function.” He referenced recent statements from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who has called for a “temporary funding measure” to avert a shutdown. Thune also alluded to the Senate’s role, noting that the Senate’s budgetary powers must be exercised to support a resolution that preserves funding.

Potential Consequences of a Shutdown

In a briefing, Thune detailed the impacts a shutdown would have on federal employees, public services, and national security. He pointed out that a partial shutdown could furlough hundreds of thousands of federal workers and delay critical services such as Social Security, Medicare, and federal contract work. He also warned that a shutdown could jeopardize the readiness of the U.S. armed forces, given that many defense contractors and military facilities rely on federal funds. “We are already seeing the ripple effects in our defense budget,” he said.

The GOP’s Path Forward

Thune urged GOP leaders to prioritize the budget discussion and to take a proactive stance. He suggested that the Republican caucus should convene an emergency budget meeting and draft a comprehensive plan that includes mandatory spending priorities. He also urged the GOP to engage with moderate Democrats on key issues such as border security, infrastructure, and healthcare reform, noting that a bipartisan framework would help avoid a “no‑budget” scenario.

The Role of the Public and Media

The senator urged citizens and media outlets to hold lawmakers accountable for their fiscal decisions. “The people need to understand that the decisions we make now will affect their tax bills, their jobs, and the nation’s future,” he said. He urged the public to stay informed, to use reliable sources, and to apply pressure to both parties to enact a timely funding resolution. Thune referenced several news outlets and congressional resources that provide real‑time updates on budget negotiations, including the official U.S. Congress website (https://www.congress.gov) and the Treasury Department’s budget portal (https://home.treasury.gov).

Bottom Line

John Thune’s statement comes at a pivotal moment in federal budgeting. As the House concludes its summer recess, the urgency of bipartisan dialogue and decisive action grows. The senator’s admonition underscores that the stakes are high: a government shutdown would have far‑reaching effects across the United States. Whether Congress will rise to the challenge remains to be seen, but Thune’s warning sets the tone for a critical conversation that could shape the nation’s fiscal future for the year ahead.