Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02), a founding member of the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force, released the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announcing its Comprehensive Nationwide PFAS Action Plan: “Today’s announcement by the EPA is an important first step in putting together a comprehensive approach to protecting drinking water, enhancing PFA... Read More »
Tonight, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after voting no on the 2019 appropriations package. "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... Read More »
The Huron-Manistee National Forest announced Tuesday afternoon, it will delay implementation of an alcohol ban on three of its rivers until at least 2020. The U.S. Forestry Service announced earlier this year that it was banning alcohol on three of its National Wild and Scenic Rivers, and it included the Manistee and Pine rivers as well as the AuSable. “Individuals and businesses throughout northe... Read More »
This evening, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after the U.S. Forest Service announced it was delaying implementation of their rule to prohibit the possession of alcoholic beverages on portions of the AuSable, Manistee, and Pine National Wild and Scenic Rivers. "While the federal government has a responsibility to manage the Huron Manistee National Forests, it is... Read More »
Tonight, Congressman Bill Huizenga released the following statement after learning of the passing of former Michigan Congressman John Dingell. I am deeply saddened to learn of John Dingell’s passing. John was a fierce advocate for Michigan and a titan of the House who worked with a servant’s heart. While there were areas where we disagreed I had no doubt that John’s passion and positions were wel... Read More »
Following the President's State of the Union Address, Congressman Huizenga spoke to CSPAN live from the Capitol. During the interview, Rep. Huizenga discussed the positive aspects of the President's speech on the economy, protecting life, and areas where both Republicans and Democrats can work together. To watch Congressman Huizenga's full interview click the link below. F Read More »
This evening, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement regarding President Trump's State of the Union Address: "Tonight, the President gave a strong address outlining the strength of our economy, the need to secure our southern border, and promote a national culture that defends the unborn and respects life. I believe the President also laid out several areas where bipart... Read More »
A bipartisan PFAS Task Force was launched Wednesday, Jan. 23, in the U.S. House by Reps. Dan Kildee (D-Flint Township) and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania to better protect the public from per-fluorinated and poly-fluorinated chemicals. U.S. Reps. Bill Huizenga (R-Zeeland) and Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) are founding members of the task force. “We have seen several communities in West Michigan, al... Read More »
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, joined legislators across the aisle in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to announce a bipartisan congressional PFAS Task Force. In a statement, the congressman said task force leaders are concerned that contamination like what was discovered at Robinson Elementary School is “just the tip of the iceberg.” “At the end of the day, residents deserve to know the truth... Read More »
The government shutdown and a variety of issues Rep. Bill Huizenga voted for or against were addressed at a community forum hosted by the Daily News Monday evening at West Shore Community College. Questions — for the most part — came from Daily News Managing Editor David Bossick and former Daily News Managing Editor Steve Begnoche. Huizenga said he, too, is looking for a path out of the shutdown. ... Read More »
Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) became a founding member of the bipartisan PFAs Task Force headed by Dan Kildee (D-MI) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). The PFAS Task Force was established to address the urgent threat of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to help better protect communities from the harmful effects of the chemicals. Congressman Huizenga has been a vocal leader on addre... Read More »
On Saturday, January 19th, Congressman Bill Huizenga presented two Congressional Gold Medals to Irwin and Orvid Lawson for their service in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) during WWII. Orvid, currently 92 years old and a resident of Wyoming, Michigan, served in the Sault Ste. Marie CAP Squadron until joining the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1945. His father, Irwin was one of 65 CAP members to lose their life... Read More »
Last night, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) spoke in passionate support of the unborn, adoption, and promoting a culture that values life. West Michigan is known as one of the most prolific areas for adoption in the nation. Congressman Huizenga has been a strong voice in support life and was instrumental in preserving the Adoption Tax Credit in the 2017 tax reform legislation. Read More »
For years, elected officials in Washington from both sides of the aisle have discussed the need for border security and then failed to actually deliver on that promise. Now that there is an effort to properly secure the border, some in Washington refuse to acknowledge a problem even exists. The fact remains that our country is facing a humanitarian and national security crisis along our southern b... Read More »
Tonight, Congressman Bill Huizenga made the following statement after the President addressed the nation regarding border security and the current state of government operations. The President is correct in identifying the situation at the southern border as both a humanitarian and security crisis. I have voted multiple times to increase the number of agents, enhance technological capabilities, an... Read More »
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
