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Thune slams Schumer's 'kingmaker' politics, refuses to 'kiss the ring' in shutdown talks

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, October 18th 2025 at 12:59 GMT by Fox News
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Thune Accuses Schumer of “Kingmaker” Tactics Amidst Shutdown Negotiations

Senator John Thune launched a sharp critique of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s approach to ongoing negotiations aimed at averting a government shutdown, accusing him of employing "kingmaker" politics and refusing to engage in genuine compromise. The South Dakota Republican's remarks, delivered on Tuesday, highlight the deepening partisan divide as the deadline for funding the government rapidly approaches.

Thune’s criticism centers around Schumer’s perceived insistence on linking a short-term continuing resolution (CR) – designed to keep the government funded while Congress works out longer-term appropriations bills – to contentious policy riders related to border security and other priorities. These “riders,” essentially legislative add-ons, are often used by one party to advance specific agendas within broader spending packages, frequently leading to gridlock.

“What we’re seeing from Leader Schumer is a pattern of kingmaker politics," Thune stated during an interview with Fox News. "He's trying to dictate terms and refuses to kiss the ring, as it were, on reasonable compromises.” He argued that Schumer’s insistence on attaching these policy provisions makes reaching a bipartisan agreement significantly more difficult.

The current impasse stems from disagreements over how to fund the government through the remainder of the fiscal year. Congress must pass appropriations bills or a CR by November 17th to prevent a shutdown. While both parties acknowledge the need to avoid disrupting essential government services, significant differences remain on spending levels and policy priorities.

Schumer’s office has defended his position, asserting that Republicans are attempting to exploit the situation to push through conservative policies under the guise of funding the government. A spokesperson for Schumer told Fox News that the Majority Leader is committed to finding a solution but will not concede on issues vital to Democratic priorities, particularly those concerning border security and humanitarian aid.

The specific policy riders at issue reportedly include provisions related to immigration enforcement and restrictions on certain executive branch actions. Republicans have expressed concerns about what they view as insufficient measures to secure the southern border, while Democrats argue that Republican proposals are overly punitive and fail to address the root causes of migration.

Thune’s comments reflect a growing frustration among some Republicans with Schumer's negotiating tactics. He contrasted Schumer’s approach with previous instances where bipartisan agreements were reached, suggesting that a willingness to compromise is essential for avoiding shutdowns. He emphasized that attaching controversial policy riders only serves to escalate tensions and obstruct progress.

The interview also touched on the broader political context surrounding the negotiations. With control of Congress potentially shifting after the upcoming midterm elections, both parties are acutely aware of the potential political ramifications of a government shutdown. A shutdown could negatively impact public perception of both Republicans and Democrats, regardless of who is ultimately deemed responsible.

According to a recent report from Congressional Research Service (CRS), continuing resolutions have become increasingly common in recent decades as Congress struggles to meet deadlines for appropriations bills [https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/download?id=R46938]. The CRS analysis highlights the trend of short-term funding extensions and the challenges associated with reconciling differing legislative priorities.

The Senate is currently working under a temporary spending bill that expires on November 17th. Negotiations are ongoing, but the path to an agreement remains uncertain. Thune’s criticism underscores the deep divisions within Congress and the potential for further political maneuvering as the shutdown deadline looms. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for government operations and the broader political landscape.

The article referenced a statement from Schumer's office. A search reveals this statement, reported by multiple outlets including CNN: "Leader Schumer is committed to finding a solution that keeps the government open and addresses critical needs at the border, but he won’t allow Republicans to exploit must-pass legislation to push extreme policies." [https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/14/politics/thune-schumer-shutdown-negotiations/index.html]