Governors Urge Senate to Pass 'Clean' Short-Term Funding Extension to Avert Shutdown
- Steve Jurrens
- Sep 30
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - Governor Larry Rhoden and a coalition of state governors sent a letter to U.S. Senate leadership today, calling for the immediate passage of a clean, short-term funding extension to keep the government open. The action comes as the current funding deadline of September 30th approaches, raising the specter of a government shutdown.
The letter was addressed to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Minority Leader John Thune (R-SD), Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY), and Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL). Governor Rhoden and the Governors Council of the America First Policy Institute are urging the senators to prioritize essential services by approving the extension, which previously received bipartisan support in the House of Representatives.
The governors stressed the negative impact of a shutdown on citizens, stating, "When Washington gridlocks, America suffers. Our troops, first responders, and firefighters should never have their paychecks put at risk. Seniors and veterans should never wonder if their benefits will be disrupted."
The group emphasized that the consequences of a shutdown are "real, immediate, and entirely avoidable," and insisted that the Senate should act immediately to pass the measure.
"We urge the Senate to do the right thing and take immediate action to keep the government open by passing a clean funding extension," the letter continued. "It protects our service members and veterans, ensures continuity for essential programs, and prevents unnecessary disruption to our state’s economies and communities."
Governor Rhoden was joined in signing the letter by the following current and former governors: former Texas Governor Rick Perry, former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, Indiana Governor Mike Braun, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Idaho Governor Brad Little, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, Nebraska Governor James Pillen, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, and former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker.
