SE Oakland News

Senator Aric Nesbitt, a Republican member of the Michigan Senate, posted a series of statements on October 16, 2025, criticizing Senate Democrats for their actions regarding ongoing government funding negotiations.

In his first post at 16:29 UTC, Nesbitt wrote, "Democrats just voted to keep the government shutdown for the 10th time. Now they’re heading home for a long weekend. They don’t want to negotiate. They would rather burn it all down than put the American people first."

Shortly after, at 16:30 UTC, he stated, "We don’t need ANY new taxes."

Later that day at 16:39 UTC, Nesbitt commented on media coverage of the budget impasse by posting, "‘Senate Democrats, holding out for illegal immigrant health care, reject government funding bill for 10th time’ Fixed it."

The posts come amid an extended federal government shutdown caused by repeated failures in Congress to pass appropriations bills or continuing resolutions needed to fund government operations. Shutdowns have significant effects on federal employees and public services while lawmakers continue negotiations over spending priorities and policy riders.

Debates over tax increases and funding allocations—such as proposals related to healthcare access—are frequent points of contention during these negotiations. In recent years, disagreements between Democratic and Republican legislators have led to several high-profile shutdowns and standoffs over issues including immigration policy and taxation.