Bill Huizenga RSS Articles

GOP: The Real Party of U.S. Women

Wed, 16 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

There’s an old joke about a married couple that’s asked about their hobbies and interests. The husband says he’s focused on “important things” — like the federal budget, health care reform and peace in the Middle East. The wife says she’s focused on the “small things” — like their household budget, their children’s health care and keeping peace within their family.

There’s an important truth here. The things that women focus on and the decisions they make are often unappreciated — but they’re the foundation of our society.

A few facts should give you a better picture: Women account for 85 percent of all consumer purchases; they make 85 percent of all health care decisions; they start two out of three new businesses, and for the first time in history, they’re a majority of the U.S. workforce.

Despite all the challenges that our nation faces — from the economy to health care to the national debt — this is an exciting time for American women. When it comes to our quality of life and the opportunities before us, there has never been a better time and place to be a woman than today in the United States.

That’s what makes the Democrats’ message to American women so strange and unsettling. For the past few months, the Democrats have been accusing Republicans of waging a “war on women” as if some honest disagreements between the parties — over matters like how an “Obamacare” mandate should affect religious institutions or the proper scope of federal law on tribal land — constitute a deliberate GOP campaign to take away women’s rights.

Nothing could be further from the truth, and Republican women have been at the forefront exposing these myths. Let’s face it: Republican women — like us — would never be part of a party that didn’t believe in women’s rights, equal pay for equal work and strong laws against sexual violence. The Republican Party believes in all of those things.

We also believe in something else: We believe that women want to be empowered. We believe that women want independence. We want opportunities. We want an equal chance to succeed — no special favors and no glass ceilings. We want our daughters to have those same opportunities, that same chance to live the American dream. We want our sons to have it, too.

What policies promote freedom, opportunity and self-ownership? Certainly not the Democrats’ Big Government policies. The Democrats showed their hand recently with their “Life of Julia” infographic. The Obama campaign used this to illustrate how a typical woman is dependent on government programs from birth to death — and how the GOP is supposedly undermining those programs.

Leaving aside that everything the “Julia” campaign said about Republicans is either mostly wrong or totally wrong, “Julia’s” life is not typical of American women. Nor is it something that we aspire to. We don’t see our lives as a product of government handouts. In fact, we resent the idea that we owe our success to bureaucrats, and not our own initiative.

The real reason Democrats manufactured “Julia” and the “war on women” is because women don’t support their policies. In 2010, Republicans won the women’s vote for the first time since Ronald Reagan. We fired the first woman speaker of the House, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, because we didn’t like the direction Democrats were taking our country — on the economy, on health care and especially on the debt. We still don’t like it today.

When Republicans talk about freedom, entrepreneurship, patient-centered health care and fiscal responsibility, most women respond positively. And when Republicans propose policies grounded in those principles — reducing taxes on small businesses, shrinking the deficit through the Ryan plan, and repealing “Obamacare” — women see that it’s the Republican Party that’s advancing their values, not the Democrats.

The Republican Party is the real party of American women. And women have played a huge role in our party’s success. We have a dynamic group of 24 women in the House, including a record nine freshmen. Four of the six women governors today are Republicans. We’re also the only party in the past 25 years to nominate a woman for vice president.

American women have a right to be self-confident, and we have a right to be suspicious of politicians who say we should be dependent on government programs. We, the House Republican women, will continue to advocate for the positive solutions that women want — and America needs.

If the Democrats think we’ll be silent on women’s issues — or any issue — they should think again.

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), Rep. Sandy Adams (R-Fla.), Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle (R-N.Y.), Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.), Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.), Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan.), Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Rep. Candice Miller (R-Mich.), Rep. Sue Myrick (R-N.C.) and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.)

Read the story on Politico HERE

Huizenga Announces Winner Of 2012 Congressional Art Competition

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

On Monday, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) held a reception celebrating the 2012 Congressional Art Competition Finalists and announced Connor Bade, a senior at West Ottawa, as the winner of the competition. Connor's piece "An Exaggeration" will join winners from across the country in being put on display in the U.S. Capitol for the next year. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have participated in the nationwide competition.

Congressman Huizenga said, "I want to congratulate Connor and all of the young artists who submitted their works of art for the Congressional Art Competition. It's encouraging to see the Second District is thriving with imagination and creativity. I also want to thank the teachers and parents who support and encourage their students and children to be involved in the arts.”

2012 Congressional Art Competition Winner:

Connor Bade - "An Exaggeration"

2012 Congressional Art Competition Finalists:

Fremont High School

Maria Perla - "Heart of Michigan"
Jon Paul Hills - "The Rusted Truck"

Holland Christian

Aubrey Sytsma - "Standing Strong"
Emily Karsten - "Abandoned"

Saugatuck High School

Carly Howell - "Walking on Water"
Lauren Jenkins - "Self-Portrait"
Allison Jenkins - "44th Parallel"

Western Michigan Christian High School

Anna Zeerip - "Hidden Hand"

West Ottawa High School

Celina Roa - "Tree"
Stephanie Damian - "Frog in Water"
Elizabeth Rodriguez - "Lighthouse"

Pictures of the 2012 Congressional Art Competition Winner and Finalists can be found HERE.

Huizenga Introduces Bill To Protect Life, Protect Taxpayers

Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

This week, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) introduced the Homeland Security Respect for Life Act - H.R. 5646, that prohibits taxpayer dollars appropriated for the Department of Homeland Security from being used to pay for an abortion and provides important conscience protections:

"This commonsense measure, introduced with bipartisan support, protects life and closes yet another loophole. The Homeland Security Respect for Life Act ensures hard earned taxpayer dollars are not being used to pay for an abortion and provides conscience protections by preventing any taxpayer dollars from forcing an individual to help in the performance of an abortion. I am hopeful that the Senate and the President agree our bill simply follows precedent and is consistent with the current administration’s policy for other federal agencies."

Huizenga Calls For End To Political Games, Bipartisan Solutions To Create Jobs

Fri, 04 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI-2) issued the following statement on April's national jobs report:

"Today's sub-par jobs report delivered another reminder that President Obama's economic agenda of increased regulation, unbridled spending, and higher taxes has led to more uncertainty and made it increasingly difficult for Americans to find work. While any sign of growth is welcome, it's important to remember that this growth is occurring despite the President's policies, not because of them. In contrast, House Republicans have taken decisive action and laid out the steps necessary to create a pro-growth environment that will empower small business and lessen the regulatory burdens plaguing job creators. It's time for Democrat leaders in Washington, namely President Obama and Senator Reid, to stop playing politics and focus on bipartisan solutions that will get Americans back to work."

Huizenga To Hold Tele-Town Hall On Senior Issues TUESDAY

Fri, 04 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Huizenga To Hold Tele-Town Hall On Senior Issues TUESDAY

Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, Rep. Bill Huizenga will host a tele-town hall with 2nd District residents on Republican efforts to strengthen Social Security and Medicare. While the focus of the call will be geared toward seniors, all residents are welcome and encouraged to participate.

• Who: Rep. Bill Huizenga

• What: Tele-Town Hall Discussing Social Security, Medicare, and Prescription Drugs

• When: Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 at 3:00 PM

To participate in the tele-town hall constituents can call our Holland Office at (616) 395-0030 or register their telephone numbers online HERE. Participants will receive a phone call to join the town hall. If you do not wish to take part in this event please contact the Holland Office.

NOTE: Read Congressman Huizenga's latest comments on the need to strengthen Social Security HERE.

Huizenga Comments on Vote to Protect Economy from Cyber Attacks

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Rep. Huizenga released the following statement regarding his vote in support of H.R. 3523, the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act:

"I proudly supported H.R. 3523, the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act. Every day, U.S. companies report being the victim of cyber espionage. These sophisticated hackers attempt to and are often successful at stealing client lists, merger and acquisition data, pricing information, and research and development data estimated at upwards of $400 billion a year, and costing American jobs. The government has the ability to protect itself against cyber attacks, but the private sector doesn't receive this benefit. With this bill, valuable information about malware, viruses, malicious code, and other attempts at breaching sensitive client data can be shared between companies in the private sector and with the government in order to safeguard our financial system, protect American jobs, and keep our electrical grid safe.

CISPA is voluntary. Businesses must choose to share information about cybersecurity threats. The government can only use the data to fight cybersecurity or defend national security. Facebook, Intel, Microsoft, and many Silicon Valley companies actively support this bill as well. Most importantly, the bill does not infringe on one's constitutional rights, but it does protect commerce and national security."

Opinion: Social Security Trustees Report is an Eye Opener

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

For nearly 70 years, Social Security has provided supplemental retirement income to millions of Americans. Four generations of Americans have relied upon the program to deliver on the promises it made during their working years.

The 2012 Social Security Trustees report was released on Monday and highlighted that the Social Security will run dry even sooner than we expected. We must act now to ensure that we can fulfill the promises we have made to future retirees.

According to the report, the trust funds that support Social Security will be depleted in 2033, three years earlier than previously projected. When this happens, Social Security will only have enough funds to cover about 75 percent of the benefits promised to seniors.

The simple truth is that our current Social Security system is not sustainable, and the longer we wait to solve the problem, the more painful the options become. To ignore the funding realities and simply do nothing is not a viable option. We must meet the challenges head-on if we are to update the system while upholding our commitment to current retirees and ensuring that our children and grandchildren will also enjoy a secure retirement.

The House of Representatives approved a budget that will address the looming crisis in a way that would not impact anyone at or near retirement age. The budget establishes a mechanism that requires action by the president and leaders in Congress to shore up Social Security's fiscal imbalance. The budget would require a plan to achieve actuarial balance in a way that protects those in or near retirement, preserves the safety net for those who rely on Social Security, including survivors and those with disabilities, and reduces the burden and ensures certainty for future generations.

I will continue to fight for seniors while in Congress. Common sense legislation like the House of Representative's budget is just one way we maintain our promise to current and future retirees.

Opinion: The Sportsmen's Heritage Act of 2012

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The ability of sportsmen to hunt, fish, and shoot on public land is under constant threat from the Obama Administration and overzealous environmental groups. Many of their proposals will block access to public land, prohibit many popular recreational activities and ban certain types of ammunition.

Some recent examples include; the Environmental Protection Agency considering banning lead ammunition and tackle, the Bureau of Land Management proposing the elimination of recreational shooting on public lands, and the Forest Service spending significant resources examining a ban on hunting and snowmobiling in our own Huron-Manistee National Forest.

This week, my colleagues and I took action by voting on H.R. 4089, the Sportsmen's Heritage Act of 2012, a bipartisan bill supported by groups such as the National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, and Safari Club International. I am pleased to report that it passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 274-146.

The Sportsmen's Heritage Act, written by Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL), is a three-part, common sense fix to the Obama Administration's bureaucratic restrictions and regulations. First, this bill protects the traditional right of sportsmen to fish and hunt by removing government roadblocks to these activities on certain public lands and guards against new threats. H.R. 4089 will also defend American jobs by supporting recreational opportunities on these federal lands. Finally, it reaffirms existing law barring the EPA from banning certain types of ammunition and fishing tackle.

Rest assured, I will continue to work in Congress to ensure the West Michigan traditions of hunting, fishing, and shooting are around for future generations.

Huizenga to attend medal ceremony, town hall for veterans today

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:00:00 GMT

U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga will attend two events for veterans today in Fremont.

The first is a medal ceremony to honor eight area veterans or their families with medals earned during their valiant service for their nation.

Recipients and medals detailed below.

The second is a town hall and listening session at 6 p.m. at the Fremont Library with State Rep. Jon Bumstead for veterans and their relatives to ask questions and learn more about what help is available on the state and local level. Former State Senator Jason Allen, Senior Deputy Directory for Veterans Affairs, Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, will also speak.

If you are unable to attend the events, Congressman Huizenga is always happy to help any veterans of the 2^nd District with information on benefits, services, or to obtain the medals they earned during their military service. For assistance, please call (616) 395-0030 for more information.

April 10 Veterans Events

Medals Ceremony

3:30 pm

True North

6308 South Warner Ave (M82)

Fremont, MI 49412

Veterans' Listening Session

6 p.m.

Fremont City Library

104 East Main Street

Fremont, MI

Medal Awards and Recipients

Betty Bandt of Muskegon, receiving awards on behalf of deceased brother, Walter Perysian, who died while serving as a Seaman in the Navy, spring 1940 - December 1941.

Awards:

American Defense Service Medal

Lena Hollowell of Fremont, receiving on behalf of deceased husband, Myles Miller Hollowell, a Motor Machinist Mate 3rd Class in the Navy from December 1943 - April 1946.

Awards:

World War II Victory Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal
Discharge Button
Honorable Service Lapel Pin

Gary Rossett of Newaygo, PFC in the Army from July 1961 - July 1963, Private First Class in the Air Force November 1967 - May 1975.

Awards:

Good Conduct Medal
Army of Occupation Medal with Berlin Airlift device
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar

Roger Freeland of Casnovia, Sergeant (T) in the Army from November 1953 - September 1955

Awards:

National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal

Patrick Sipperley, receiving on behalf of deceased father, Lorne Jay Sipperley of Newaygo who died in Vietnam, a Specialist 5 in the Army from March 1962 - April 1969.

Awards:

Distinguished Flying Cross
Bronze Star Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster with letter V device
Purple Heart with one bronze oak leaf cluster
Air Medal with numeral 2
Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal with one silver service star
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with 1960 device
Expert Badge with auto rifle bar
Sharpshooter Badge with pistol bar
Marksman Badge with rifle bar
Army Aviation - Aircraft Crewman Badge

Patrick Dueling of Newaygo, Sergeant from March 1971 - March 1973 in the Marine Corps, March 1975 - 1993 in the Army.

Awards:

Meritorious Service Medal with 2 bronze oak leaf clusters
Army Commendation Medal with 4 bronze oak leaf clusters
Army Achievement Medal with 3 bronze oak leaf clusters
Good Conduct Medal with 1 silver loop
National Defense Service Medal with 1 bronze service star
Vietnam Service Medal with 1 bronze service star
NCO Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 3
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral 2
Expert Infantryman Badge
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with 1960 device
Expert Badge with auto rifle and machine gun bars
Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar
Multinational Force and Observers Medal
Drill Sergeant Badge

Richard Deters of Fremont, Specialist 4 in the Army from February 1965 - February 1967.

Awards:

Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Marksman Badge with pistol and rifle bars

Richard Rought of Fremont, a Sergeant from September 1966 - June 1972 in the Army, and April 1978 - April 1998 in the National Guard.

Awards:

Army Achievement Medal with 2 bronze oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal with 1 bronze service star
Vietnam Service Medal with 2 bronze service stars
Humanitarian Service Medal
Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with 3 bronze oak leaf clusters
NCO Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 2
Army Service Ribbon
Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with 1960 device
Sharpshooter Badge with rifle bar, Marksman Badge with pistol bar
Governor's Twenty Tab
Michigan Overseas Service Ribbon
Michigan Service Medal

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WHTC: Gas Prices Back Over $4 Plateau Along Lakeshore, Across Michigan

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

After threatening for over a month, the four-dollar plateau for regular grade gasoline in Michigan has again been breached, and it appears to be settling in for a lengthier stay that last year.

...

Calls for action to address such high prices such as dipping into the strategic oil reserve have not only been heard in Washington, but the French prime minister says that discussions are underway that could lead the US and Europe to release such holdings. Congressman Bill Huizenga of Zeeland says that another thing that the White House can do to provide immediate relief is to suspend seasonal fuel blending regulations.

To read the full story: http://whtc.com/news/articles/2012/mar/30/gas-prices-back-over-4-plateau-along-lakeshore-across-michigan/