South Michigan News

Senator Roger Victory of Michigan has joined other state legislators in urging the U.S. Senate to pass a short-term funding extension to prevent a federal government shutdown. The proposed extension would fund the federal government through November 21 while negotiations continue on a full-year budget. This measure has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is currently awaiting action in the Senate.

Victory, a Republican from Hudsonville, expressed concern about the impact of a shutdown on government employees and essential services. "A federal government shutdown would halt the paychecks of many government employees, including service members, first responders and firefighters. Further, essential services for veterans and seniors would stop," he said.

He also highlighted Michigan's progress on its own budget process and called for similar action at the federal level. "The state of Michigan has made real progress toward a budget agreement, and we need the federal government to do the same," Victory stated. "Passing this extension will ensure our federal government is operational and avoids a costly shutdown, while giving leaders more time to find bipartisan agreement on a federal budget."

"Preventing a shutdown will protect critical services and is the right thing for the American people and West Michigan families," he added.

The letter sent to Senate leaders was signed by 42 state lawmakers, including Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt; Senators Jon Bumstead and Rick Outman; Speaker Matt Hall; and Representatives Rachelle Smit, Luke Meerman, Angela Rigas, and Pat Outman.