Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said he spoke with President Donald Trump on Sunday night about the ongoing government shutdown, now entering its 27th day, but acknowledged there's still no clear strategy from Democrats to reopen the government.
"He, like all of us, wants the government opened up," Thune told reporters on Monday.
Thune's comments came as he filed cloture for a Wednesday vote to reopen the government, the 13th attempt to end the shutdown and fund the government through Nov. 21.
Thune cautioned that there's no quick solution in sight for restoring pay to air traffic controllers, Border Patrol agents, and other federal workers, or for ensuring SNAP benefits (food stamps) continue beyond Saturday.
Republicans are urging Democrats to set aside their partisan demands for more healthcare spending and instead focus on getting Americans back to work and keeping vital services running.
"The answer is very simple," Thune said.
"Paying SNAP recipients, paying the military, paying all federal workers — ATC, TSA, Border Patrol — it's all really simple. We are where we are," Thune added.
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