Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged that his party’s approach during the ongoing government shutdown “came off the rails,” signaling that Republicans are now evaluating alternative funding strategies to end the standoff.
Thune said their initial path—offering short-term funding bills while waiting for negotiations to resolve broader policy disputes—did not gain traction due to Democratic opposition and internal party disagreements. He said Republicans are now considering reopening government immediately and addressing controversial topics like health-care subsidies and border policy in separate legislation afterward.
The shift in strategy reflects growing pressure from business groups, voters and even some GOP senators who warn that the prolonged shutdown is damaging the party’s standing heading into future elections. Congressional negotiators are expected to return to the table this week to craft a fresh approach.