House approves $152 million supplemental for Selfridge Air National Guard Base after heated floor debate

LANSING — The Michigan House on March 3 approved House Bill 4572, a $152 million supplemental appropriation intended for runway realignment and related improvements at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, following a contentious floor debate.

Representative Morgan spoke in opposition, calling the supplemental "simply reckless spending" at a time when the state faces a projected $1.8 billion shortfall and arguing the federal government should cover the cost. "Michigan currently projects a 1.8 billion shortfall," Morgan said, adding that the supplemental “came to the floor suddenly” and had not undergone the usual committee process.

Supporters, including Representative Mener and Representative St. Germaine, argued the funding protects an important military and economic asset. Representative Mener said investments in Selfridge support high-skilled jobs and cited an estimated $850 million in annual economic impact to Mcome County and thousands of personnel who work at the base. Representative St. Germaine described Selfridge as an essential component of Michigan’s defense-related economy.

The House recorded a roll-call vote of 65–41 in favor of HB 4572 and ordered immediate effect. The bill had been advanced to third reading earlier in the day after adoption of a floor substitute (H2) on second reading.

Procedure and next steps: HB 4572 will proceed through whatever administrative and implementation steps apply to appropriations; the floor debate did not specify how federal reimbursements, timelines for construction, or oversight checkpoints will be handled.