After over a month of inflicting unnecessary pain on the American people, 8 Senate Democrats joined Republicans on a bipartisan funding bill that ends the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. I was proud to vote for this funding extension, just like I did for a clean continuing resolution on September 19. President Trump signed the legislation into law on November 12, ending the government shutdown after 43 days.
The legislation also makes full-year appropriations for the legislative branch, Department of Agriculture, Department of Veterans Affairs, and military construction and family housing within the Department of Defense. It also funds the rest of the federal government through January 30, 2026.
While the government has now reopened, please keep in mind that there may be some residual delays in services. I look forward to returning to regular order and delivering results for hardworking Michiganders.
On Veterans Day, my office had the opportunity to recognize Rod Fikel from Coldwater as our November Veteran of the Month. Rod served in the U.S. Army from 1989 to 1996 as a MOS 25V Combat Documentation Specialist and was deployed to both Kuwait and Iraq. Since returning him, Rod has been a dedicated member of the American Legion and an active participant in the Branch County Department of Veterans Affairs' community committee. Thank you, Rod, for your commitment to service and for acting as a cornerstone of the veteran community!
To nominate a deserving veteran in Michigan's 5th District for this honor, please click here.
I had the privilege of celebrating the United States Marine Corps' 250th anniversary with the Marine Corps League in Quincy. For 250 years, the Marine Corps has stood as America's force in readiness, demonstrating courage, dedication, and faithfulness. To support the men and women who have dedicated their lives to defending our country, I voted for legislation signed into law by President Trump that greatly enhances veterans' quality of life. The legislation fully funds veterans' benefits and health care programs, supports efforts to combat veteran homelessness, and invests in critical hospital centers. Thank you to all who have bravely served our country and defended the freedoms we all hold so dear!
I recently visited the Colson Group, a caster and wheel manufacturer in Albion, to discuss how Made in America policies like those included in the Working Families Tax Cuts are allowing them to expand their business. By making the small business tax deduction permanent, we will create 1 million new jobs and $75 billion in economic growth every year. The Working Families Tax Cuts also include full expensing for research and development initiatives, equipment, and upgrades to manufacturing plants, allowing small business owners to further invest in their companies. I remain committed to continuing to empower small businesses and bring back American manufacturing.
I also recently sat down with the Centreville Village Council to discuss affordable housing and how to spur new developments in the community. The Working Families Tax Cuts provides relief to Michiganders looking to purchase their first home by reinstating the Mortgage Insurance Premium tax deduction, which will save first-time homebuyers thousands of dollars on their taxes. The historic legislation also expands the Opportunity Zones program, which will create an estimated 10,000 new housing units and 39,000 jobs in Michigan. Thank you to the Centreville Village Council for letting me visit and for the work you do in our communities!
