Democrats are "hijacking" the budget process, "taking the government and the American people hostage" to try to force their high-spending agenda, according to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. "They're trying to load up all this liberal, special interest stuff," Thune told Sunday's "Meet the Press" on NBC. "Totally up to the Democrats," Thune told host Kristen Welker, noting Republicans voted with Democrats for a continuing resolution 13 times under former President Joe Biden, with the lowest vote count being 65 senators. Thune said Republicans will not negotiate changes to the short-term bill, which he described as a bridge to a broader spending deal. "We can have that conversation, but before we do, release the hostage, set the American people free, keep the government open.