Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he's "optimistic" about ending the government shutdown this week, and that the upper chamber would take its 14th vote on a House-passed funding bill on Tuesday.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune is warning Democrats from prolonging the government shutdown after they swept key races in Virginia, New Jersey and California on Tuesday evening. Democrats, emboldened by Tuesday’s favorable election results,

John Thune erupted in anger on the Senate floor, blasting Democrats as the 30-day shutdown threatens SNAP benefits for millions of Americans.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said on Monday that he is “optimistic” lawmakers can strike a deal to reopen the government by the end of the week, and he is considering a stopgap

Cheney kept a relatively low profile after leaving office, other than to endorse his daughter Liz Cheney for the U.S. House seat he once held.

Tom Emmer blames Chuck Schumer for blocking government reopening efforts as shutdown enters day 30. Political stalemate continues over spending and healthcare issues.

Democrats are working to balance their health care demands and find solutions for SNAP, with Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Luján on Wednesday introducing legislation that would direct the USDA to release available contingency funds to ensure benefits under SNAP and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program continue during the shutdown.

The Senate majority leader struck a cautionary note as a bipartisan group explores advancing appropriations bills.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said Republican leadership staff is reviewing “protocol” about the possibility of former Vice President Dick Cheney lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda. “I think we’re checking the protocols on that.