Capitol News

Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt of Michigan has criticized the ongoing federal government shutdown, attributing responsibility to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic lawmakers. In a statement released Tuesday, Nesbitt said, “Despite last November’s mandate from voters to secure our borders and stop rampant waste, fraud and abuse in Washington, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and his Democrats — including Michigan Sens. Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters — are holding the government hostage to satisfy the radical left.”

Nesbitt expressed concern about the impact of the shutdown on various groups. “It’s shameful. Schumer himself has admitted in the past that shutdowns are irresponsible and deeply damaging. Schumer’s shutdown is hurting service members, veterans, emergency responders and families who rely on essential services,” he stated.

He also pointed out that Democrats in Michigan previously negotiated to keep state government operations running during a budget impasse. “Even in Michigan, Democrats eventually came to the table to negotiate and keep the state open. Washington Democrats should do the same. It’s time to end this Schumer shutdown,” Nesbitt said.

Nesbitt joined more than three dozen Republican state legislators in signing a letter addressed to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senator Schumer, President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley, and Minority Whip Dick Durbin. The letter urged Congress to pass a bipartisan plan aimed at keeping the federal government funded beyond October 1.