Tonight, I voted against the remainder of the FY 2019 spending package and here's why. Earlier this week, I met with agents from the National Border Patrol Council and asked them: 'how can we improve security at both our northern and southern borders?' We proceeded to have an insightful conversation about improving our technological capabilities as well as increasing physical barriers at the border. Our conversation then focused on manpower. When agents from Michigan and the southern border, come to my office and say we need more people to help enforce the law, Congress has a responsibility to listen. Unfortunately this legislation fails to deliver upon that urgent need. While there are provisions and programs like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative that I support in this package, I believe this legislation falls short on the critical elements of properly funding and securing our border. The President has indicated he will be declaring a national emergency when he signs this legislation into law. Mr. President, I urge caution. Congress should be the lead actor on funding border security. There are serious constitutional questions that immediately arise surrounding a declaration of national emergency that must be answered. We need to see the details of the President's anticipated declaration.

Posted by Rep. Bill Huizenga on February 14, 2019

This afternoon I met with union members of the National Border Patrol Council to hear from them about prioritizing security along our southern and northern borders. We discussed the need to increase the number of agents to properly secure the border, utilizing technology, and constructing physical barriers where they would be effective. Thank you for sharing this first-hand perspective and thank you to the men and women working so hard to enforce our borders and keep our country safe.

Posted by Rep. Bill Huizenga on February 13, 2019

I am a cosponsor of the Born Alive Survivors Protection Act in the House. Senator Ben Sasse is right, this shouldn’t be a partisan issue at all. Speaker Pelosi has continued to block this legislation in the House under unanimous consent. This shouldn’t be a hard decision. Let’s have the vote to see where elected officials stand on protecting these innocent children. I will continue to fight to make sure children who survive a botched abortion are guaranteed the same medical treatment as a child at the same stage of development.

Posted by Rep. Bill Huizenga on February 13, 2019

Today the U.S. Forest Service announced it will not be banning alcohol on portions of the AuSable, Manistee, and Pine National Wild and Scenic Rivers this year and delay implementation of any such rule until after speaking with stakeholders who would be impacted by such a decision. While the federal government has a responsibility to manage the Huron Manistee National Forests, it is critical that federal agencies work with local communities and get their input before making changes that will impact our economy. I am glad to see the Forest Service delay implementation of this rule change and engage with local residents and small businesses.

Posted by Rep. Bill Huizenga on February 12, 2019

Due to deteriorating road conditions my offices in Grandville and Grand Haven will be closed today. If you need assistance with an issue regarding the federal government, please call my office in Washington, D.C. at (202) 225-4401. Thank you and stay safe!

Posted by Rep. Bill Huizenga on February 12, 2019