Letters to the Editor

Nesbitt: Republicans delivered for Selfridge, Michigan

(Press release) Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, praised Republican efforts to deliver $152 million to break ground on upgrades at Selfridge Air National Guard Base and guarantee the facility’s next-generation fighter mission.

“I was proud to stand with President Trump at Selfridge when he promised Michigan a new fighter mission last year,” said Nesbitt, R-Porter Township. “Today, Republicans got the job done and delivered on his promise to secure Selfridge’s future role in support of our nation’s defense.”

The Senate on Wednesday passed House Bill 4572, approving a $152 million appropriation to fund runway upgrades at Selfridge needed to support a new F-15EX Eagle II fighter mission to complement the base’s KC-46 Pegasus Refueling Tankers and replace its aging A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron. The legislation was first passed by the Michigan House in March.

“Nearly three months ago, Rep. Robinson and the state House approved the funding to get this project off the ground this summer and meet the Air Force’s timeline to guarantee this new fighter mission comes to Selfridge. This should have been an easy bipartisan win for Michigan,” Nesbitt said.

“Sadly, Sen. Hertel and Senate Democrats dragged their feet, claiming to support Selfridge while home in their districts but refusing to take the necessary action in Lansing. They played political games and wanted to hold Selfridge hostage. Thankfully, Senate Republicans never stopped fighting to do the right thing.”

President Donald Trump announced the new Selfridge mission while visiting Michigan last year. The Macomb County base, which marks its 109th anniversary this year, supports an estimated 30,000 jobs and $850 million in annual economic impact for the state.