Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) faces growing calls for his removal from GOP leadership after the Senate passed a DHS funding bill that excluded funding for ICE and CBP through September 30. The move, negotiated with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), ended a 43-day partial government shutdown but drew sharp criticism from conservative Republicans, including President Donald Trump and House GOP leaders.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) accused Thune of ignoring the SAVE America Act, a House-passed bill supported by 83% of Republicans, per Burchett’s claim. He criticized the Senate for passing the deal in the early morning hours, calling it a lack of transparency. Burchett also criticized Senate leadership for not consulting House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) before finalizing the deal.
Rep. John Rose (R-TN) explicitly called for Thune to step aside, while Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) labeled Thune a “thorn in the side” of the GOP. The criticism reflects a deepening rift within the Republican Party over immigration enforcement and shutdown strategy. Thune’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Background & Context
The Senate’s bipartisan deal was described by Thune as a compromise to reopen the government, but conservative factions, including MAGA-aligned voices, argue it undermines key priorities like border security. The House had previously passed a short-term funding patch, which Thune’s proposal superseded. The shutdown forced TSA agents to work without pay, a point highlighted by critics like Burchett, who also criticized Congress for continuing to receive salaries during the recess.
Political Reactions
Supporters of the deal argue it was necessary to end the shutdown, while opponents claim it capitulated to Democratic demands. The dispute underscores tensions between establishment Republicans and the MAGA wing, with some lawmakers pushing for leadership changes to align with conservative priorities.