HOLLAND TWP., MI — U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Holland Township, wants to ensure federal law enforcement personnel are paid in the event of a government shutdown.

He introduced the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026 to Congress on Thursday, Sept. 18.

The proposal comes as a government shutdown looms over Washington, D.C. ahead of the beginning of the 2026 fiscal year, AP reports .

Huizenga’s act would cover all Department of Homeland Security employees, including border patrol agents, ICE deportation officers and U.S. Coast Guard members.

All of these agencies operate at or within Michigan borders or on the Great Lakes, per the DHS website.

These “critical” employees continue work without pay during shutdowns, according to a statement from Huizenga’s office, “undermining morale

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