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 »
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 »
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 »
Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after voting in support of bipartisan legislation to strengthen agricultural production and support family farms in West Michigan. “Agriculture is a critical component of Michigan’s economy. This bipartisan bill will support family farmers, producers, and growers across West Michigan by making it easier for their products to... Read more »
Today, as part of Computer Science Education Week, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) met with Ethan Visscher to congratulate the Zeeland East High School student on winning the 2018 Second District Congressional App Challenge. Ethan’s app, “Right on Red,” received the highest scores from a panel of local judges who are experts in the technology field. “Right on Red” is a game in which the user is ... Read more »
Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after the House passed S. 140, the Frank Lobiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act. This bipartisan legislation takes commonsense steps to safeguard the Great Lakes, minimize the threat posed by invasive species, and increase economic opportunity. “This bipartisan legislation continues to make the Great Lakes a national priorit... 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!
