Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) held a news conference on day 10 of a government shutdown. They urged five Democrats to "have a backbone" and vote for the Republican continuing resolution in order to to open up the government. When asked about talking with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) over the next few days, Leader Thune said, "I think Leader Schumer is checked out. ... I think this is going to happen organically with enough reasonable Senate Democrats who care enough about doing the right thing for their country..." In addition, they answered reporters' questions on potentially removing the Senate filibuster option and passing bills through a simple majority, military pay, health care tax credits, and reducing government spending.