U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement after the Senate voted 83-16 to advance a spending bill that invests in border security and funds the federal government through the remainder of the fiscal year, two priorities for which Thune has advocated as this compromise was being negotiated. The bill must be approved by the U.S. House of Representatives before it goes to the White House for the president’s consideration.
“This bipartisan legislation achieves a shared goal of completing our appropriations process and preventing another government shutdown,” said Thune. “It does so while making an historic investment in border security – more than $22 billion, which represents a down payment for physical barriers, additional law enforcement, and better technology.
“This compromise isn’t perfect, but that’s the nature of a compromise. I want to thank Sen. Shelby, all of the negotiators, and especially the staff who have been working around the clock to help get this legislation across the finish line.”