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FIRST ON FOX: Senate Majority Leader John Thune, representing South Dakota, expressed deep concerns regarding the Democrats’ current state following their decision to reject a crucial defense spending bill on Friday. Thune asserted that this rejection signifies a troubling phase for the Senate Democrats, highlighting their apparent dysfunction.
During an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Thune described the Democrats’ vote against the procedural effort as an extreme measure stemming from internal disarray. He noted that many indicators suggest a significant level of dysfunction within the Democratic caucus.
“This weekend’s ‘No Kings’ rally seems to intensify the turmoil within the party,” Thune remarked, illustrating his belief that the fracture in Democratic unity is widening.
The failed defense appropriations bill was not just a procedural formality; it was also a gauge of political will. Thune aimed to pressure Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and his caucus to prioritize government funding as the looming shutdown continues. The intent was to evaluate Democrats’ commitment to a bipartisan approach in funding efforts, which they had publicly advocated prior to the shutdown.
“I believe party leadership is adding pressure on its members,” Thune stated. He recounted reports of Democratic senators being summoned to Schumer’s office, where they allegedly faced pressure to vote against the defense appropriations bill. Thune emphasized that this bill should have garnered overwhelming bipartisan support, ideally receiving more than 80 votes in the Senate.
Historically, the bill had passed through committee earlier in the year with an impressive 26 to 3 vote, underscoring its general acceptance among lawmakers. In a typical scenario, it would have advanced through the Senate with bipartisan cooperation, mirroring the smooth passage of related spending bills in August.
This defense bill aimed to fund the Pentagon and ensure military personnel received their salaries. However, Senate Democrats chose to block the bill using arguments they had employed during the ongoing government shutdown, which has now extended into its 16th day. Their objections centered on wanting assurances about potential additions to the legislative package.
In response, Thune countered, “Are you going to engage in discussions about a hypothetical situation? It makes practical sense to have those conversations once the bill is on the floor, as we did in previous instances.”
Looking ahead, the Senate might have another opportunity to vote on legislation that would ensure payment for military personnel and certain federal employees required to work during the shutdown. However, this would not involve the defense funding bill. Instead, it would focus on legislation introduced by Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin and other Republican senators.
Earlier in the week, Republicans actively pursued the goal of paying military personnel and reopening the government during the shutdown while facing resistance from Democrats.
Turning back to the blocked defense bill, which was the final vote of the week in the Senate, Thune pointed out that the situation reflects the larger issue within the Democratic Party. He claimed that left-leaning factions are increasingly determining the party’s direction, noting, “The far-left is effectively wagging the dog within the party.”
Thune expressed particular concern for federal workers, many of whom are members of public employee unions that typically support the Democratic Party. He emphasized that these workers seem more attuned to the demands of activist groups like MoveOn.org and Indivisible than to the voices of their constituents.
As the confusion of the current political landscape continues, Thune warned that
