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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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, Congressman Bill Huizenga released the following statement after voting against the Democrats' unserious legislation that fails to properly address border security. Across the globe it is estimated that nearly 41 million lives were lost to abortion last year alone. House Democrats have included language in their continuing resolution that would cause this horrible number to rise even furt... Read more »
Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after voting in support of the First Step Act, bipartisan legislation to reduce recidivism, reform select sentencing laws, and increase community safety. “In West Michigan we believe in second chances and the First Step Act takes important steps to give those who have made mistakes the opportunity to turn their lives around.... 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!
