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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2025
Contact: Josie Harms
Gov. Rhoden and America First Governors Urge Congress to Put American People First
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden and the Governors Council of the America First Policy Institute wrote Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, and Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, urging them to prioritize the American people over Washington politics by passing a clean, short-term funding extension immediately. You can find the letter here.
“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. Families should never face uncertainty about food assistance because Congress refuses to do its job,” wrote Governor Larry Rhoden and his colleagues. “These consequences are real, immediate, and entirely avoidable.”
The America First Governors recognize that putting the American people first is of utmost importance. Without a clean short-term funding extension, which would extend the current funding deadline of September 30th, a government shutdown is inevitable. This extension previously passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support and awaits Senate approval.
“The American people deserve leaders who put America First over politics,” continued Governor Larry Rhoden and his colleagues. “We urge the Senate to do the right thing and take immediate action to keep the government open by passing a clean funding extension. 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 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 Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker.
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