Great Lakes Wire

Aric Nesbitt, a senator for the Michigan Senate, said that the government shutdown is adversely affecting Michigan's troops and veterans by risking base services and delaying benefits. He attributed the standoff to Democrats. The statement was made on X.

"Democrats' illegal-alien-first shutdown slams Michigan's military heroes," said Aric Young Nesbitt, State Senator for Michigan. "Active-duty and Guard members work without pay after two weeks; VA benefits delay for our 600K+ veterans; food aid and base services risk closure at spots like Selfridge and Battle Creek. All because Democrats care more about illegals than Americans."

According to reports on the October 2025 shutdown, military families often face immediate challenges during federal funding lapses. Essential duties continue while some base services are scaled back. The impact of these shutdowns varies by location, affecting programs from childcare to recreation as commanders prioritize mission needs. In Michigan, concerns are particularly focused on Selfridge Air National Guard Base and the 110th Wing in Battle Creek, where any service curtailments can have significant effects on local communities. This uncertainty highlights calls for a swift resolution to protect readiness and support military families.

The Department of Defense contingency plan clarifies that during a lapse in appropriations, active-duty personnel continue performing essential operations while many civilian activities cease. Pay is delayed without enacted funding, meaning service members work without pay until Congress takes action. The guidance also notes that some duties may shift to uniformed personnel where legally permissible, and leaders must avoid creating new obligations. This framework explains why units keep operating even as compensation pauses, increasing financial stress on both service members and their families.

Michigan is home to more than 516,000 veterans according to the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency’s FY 2024 report—a population that relies heavily on timely health care, benefits processing, and outreach. While Veterans Affairs (VA) health care continues during a shutdown, administrative bottlenecks can still occur if regional offices or support services scale back. The large size of Michigan’s veteran community means even minor delays can affect many households statewide, reinforcing the urgency behind safeguarding benefit continuity and local support networks.

Nesbitt serves in the Michigan Senate representing the 20th District and leads the Republican caucus as Minority Leader. A former state representative and Michigan Lottery Commissioner, he focuses on lower taxes, fewer regulations, and strengthening Michigan’s economy while supporting military families and veterans. His official page highlights his record of balancing budgets and reducing debt, reflecting a consistent commitment to fiscal responsibility and service to West Michigan communities.