Senator Calls Shutdown 'Stupid,' Negotiations Futile | JQJO

Senate Majority Leader John Thune labeled the ongoing government shutdown "stupid," asserting that negotiations with Democrats are unlikely to yield results. He urged Democrats to vote for a short-term funding bill to reopen the government. The shutdown, the first in six years, stems from disagreements over Affordable Care Act subsidies. Democrats demand their inclusion, while Republicans insist on reopening the government first. Both parties are set to vote on dueling proposals Friday, with a potential weekend extension of the shutdown if neither passes.