Thune Slams Schumer Shutdown, Accuses Democrats of Creating "Obamacare Crisis"

Strategic Insights -

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has delivered a scathing speech on the Senate floor, blaming Democrats for creating the "Obamacare crisis" and accusing them of using the government shutdown for political gain. Thune has highlighted the irony of Democrats claiming to defend Americans' healthcare while their shutdown has suspended vital health services for many citizens.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sen. Thune has accused Democrats of creating the "Obamacare crisis" and pinning it on Republicans, despite the program being a Democratic creation and tax credits being implemented and sunsetted by Democrats alone.
  • Thune has stated that Democrats are trying to "bail out" from the crisis they created, and that Republicans are willing to discuss a solution but will not negotiate until the government is reopened.
  • The shutdown has suspended valuable health services, including telehealth services for Medicare and rural patients, as Democrats prioritize their far-left base over the needs of their constituents.
  • Democrats used to care about the costs of shutdowns, but have now made it clear they don't, highlighting a shift in their priorities.
  • The main driver of the shutdown is reportedly the far-left base, which demanded a showdown with President Trump and influenced the Democrat leader to lead the shutdown brigade.

Statistics:

  • The government shutdown is now on its 20th day, as reported by Sen. Thune.
  • Telehealth services for Medicare and rural patients have been suspended due to the government shutdown.
  • Democrats have made it clear that they don't care about the costs of the shutdown, despite previous concerns about the harm caused to hardworking Americans.
  • The shutdown has been driven by the far-left base, which has rallied and influenced the Democrat leader to prioritize their demands over those of their constituents.

Sources:

  • Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.)
  • Fake news articles not cited
  • original text here
  • Thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/10/thune-schumer-shutdown-day-20