Rep. John Rose, a Republican representative from Tennessee, said Monday that Senate Majority Leader John Thune should step aside, arguing that Republican leadership has failed to end a Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
Rose reiterated his earlier remarks, stating it is time for new leadership in the Senate to “carry the flag” and meet voter expectations. He labeled recent Senate actions as “reprehensible.”
Rose criticized senators for leaving Washington ahead of a key funding deadline last week, despite knowing the consequences for border security and federal workers.
“It was very clear what they needed to get done,” he said, pointing to funding for immigration enforcement agencies and ensuring TSA agents were paid.
“That’s what the American people want,” Rose stated, adding that Thune “capitulated.”
He emphasized that even one senator could have prevented a flawed bill from advancing. “Any one senator could have stayed,” Rose said. “Any one senator could have objected and not let this horrendous bill pass.”
Rose framed the situation as a breakdown in leadership, saying it shows a failure to align with voter priorities and the White House. “It is really … a failure to understand what the American people want,” he said.
He noted that the House has already passed a Homeland Security funding bill but it remains stalled due to Senate Republicans’ absence.
Still, Rose argued there is an immediate opportunity for passage if Senate Republicans choose to act. “This morning at 10:30 a.m. the Senate will convene,” he said, noting a single Republican could bring up the House-passed continuing resolution.
If no senator objects, the measure could pass quickly and fund the government for 60 days, Rose explained. This would allow time for Thune to return and “decide to do his job.”
