Thune Says He Won’t Negotiate ‘Under Hostage Conditions’ to End Shutdown

The Senate leader said he ‘will not pay a ransom’ to reopen the government.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (C), joined by other Senate Republicans, speaks during the 15th day of the government shutdown at a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington on Oct. 15, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) on Oct. 17 reiterated that the government needs to be reopened before any talks with Democrats on health care.

The majority leader said on social media that he would be willing to hold talks with Democrats on “growing unaffordability and unsustainability of Obamacare,” or the Affordable Care Act.