U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, MI-02, applauded the announcement Friday of a U.S.-Canada shared plan for security and competitiveness. The declaration outlines how the two governments will work together to help identify threats earlier, facilitate borders and trade more efficiently, and work to synchronize trusted traveler and trusted trader programs.
“This plan is critical to help protect commerce and tourism in the largest trading relationship in the world. It will help streamline and synchronize security and threat-monitoring efforts, crucial for many Michigan-based companies who trade with Canada and need a safe and fast border process to keep trade flowing. We need to have a unified security system that will help monitor the porous border between our countries, and help better protect both. This plan is another crucial step in the cooperation between our two countries to see continued, secure economic growth and success,” Huizenga said.
The Declaration also outlines plans to work to establish a path building on existing bilateral law enforcement programs, integrated-cross border law enforcement operations, and working together to prevent, and promote quick recovery from, physical and cyber disruptions.
The U.S.-Canadian trading relationship is the largest in the world, and Michigan is Canada's largest trading partner out of the 50 states.
Huizenga has long been a leader on Canadian-American issues and will continue to be heavily involved throughout the 112th Congress.
This morning I joined a packed house at the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber for a legislative update on improving and funding the VA, rebuilding infrastructure across the Great Lakes, and reforming Dodd-Frank in a bipartisan manner. Additionally, I discussed how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is delivering positive results for small businesses, middle class families, and hardworking individuals across West Michigan. Thank you for the opportunity to speak!
This morning I visited the Outdoor Discovery Center to see first hand how the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) is helping restore wetlands, reduce flooding, and stop harmful runoff from flowing into rivers, Lake Macatawa, and Lake Michigan.
More positive news for West Michigan’s economy! It’s wonderful to see innovative manufacturers continue to expand and/or choose West Michigan as the place to invest, grow, and create good-paying jobs!
This afternoon, the House passed bipartisan legislation to improve care for our veterans and strengthen the Great Lakes economy by ensuring that harbors in Grand Haven, Ludington, Holland and other across the Great Lakes are properly dredged. These are among the first set of legislative funding priorities that have passed Congress and are now headed to the President’s Desk to be signed into law. You can read my full statement on the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 5895, the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (VA) Appropriations Act below.
Today West Michigan says farewell to one of the people who helped shape our community into the incredible place it is today. Thank you for all that you have done for West Michigan Rich and while your legacy will live on, know that your leadership and friendship will be deeply missed. Rest well Rich.
