Watch: Thune says he's hopeful government shutdown will end ahead of vote on key funding bill

Key Concepts:

• Government Shutdown
• Continuing Resolution (CR)
• Bipartisan Appropriations Bills
• Fiscal Year Funding
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
• Veterans Affairs (VA) Appropriations
• Healthcare Crisis
• Regular Order Appropriations Process
• Cloture Vote

Ending the Government Shutdown and Funding Priorities

Senator Thune expresses optimism about ending a 40-day government shutdown. He emphasizes the urgency of reopening the government due to the precarious situation in air travel and the fact that government staff have been working without pay for the entire duration of the shutdown.

Proposed Legislative Solution

Senator Thune outlines a plan to bring forth a "clean continuing resolution" that will be packaged with three bipartisan, year-long appropriations bills. These bills are:

• Agriculture Appropriations: This will ensure full fiscal year funding for programs like SNAP.
• Military Construction, V.A. Appropriations: This will guarantee full fiscal year funding for veterans' needs.
• Legislative Branch Appropriations: This bill will also be included for full fiscal year funding.

The immediate goal is to secure full-year funding for nutrition programs, veterans, and other critical priorities that have been impacted by the 40 days of uncertainty.

Advocacy for Regular Order Appropriations

Senator Thune reiterates his long-held belief that the most effective way to fund the government is through the traditional "regular order" appropriations process. He argues that this process allows for greater input and ensures that Senators from both parties have a full opportunity to voice their concerns and perspectives.

Addressing the Healthcare Crisis

The discussion shifts to the ongoing healthcare crisis in the United States. Senator Thune acknowledges that there has been significant dialogue on both sides of the aisle regarding this issue. He expresses gratitude for the willingness of both Democratic and Republican Senators to collaborate in a bipartisan manner to address the crisis.

Bipartisan Approach to Healthcare

Key points regarding the healthcare discussion include:

• Senators are focused on finding practical solutions to lower healthcare costs for American families, rather than engaging in political maneuvering.
• There is a willingness from the President to engage in discussions and work towards solutions.
• Senator Thune has committed to scheduling a vote on proposals related to healthcare, with a deadline no later than the second week of September.

Motion to Proceed and Cloture Vote

Senator Thune concludes by stating his intention to call up the bill in a few minutes and expresses his anticipation of its passage. He then formally moves to proceed to reconsider the cloture vote on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5371. The Presiding Officer then calls for a vote on this motion.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The primary takeaway from this transcript is the imminent resolution of a 40-day government shutdown through a legislative package that includes a continuing resolution and three bipartisan appropriations bills. This package aims to provide full-year funding for essential programs like SNAP, WIC, and veterans' services. Furthermore, the transcript highlights a bipartisan commitment to addressing the nation's healthcare crisis, with a promise of scheduled votes on related proposals by early September. The emphasis is on moving past political stalemates towards practical, bipartisan solutions for government funding and critical national issues.