U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, MI-02, released the following statement tonight in reaction to the President's address to the nation on the U.S. involvement in Libya:
"There was not much in the President's speech tonight about our goals in Libya that required 10 days to clarify before coming to the American people, nor the two weeks it will be before Congress gets its first official briefing from the Administration this Wednesday. While NATO will officially take the lead with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates providing a limited role, what are we doing to garner support from the Arab League and the region's interests? The President was vague on what exactly the U.S.'s commitments day-to-day would be going forward as a 'supporting role' in that coalition and how that would differ from what we've already put forth. He also reiterated that, 'while our military mission is narrowly focused on saving lives, we continue to pursue the broader goal of a Libya that belongs not to a dictator, but to its people,' which again does not clearly define when our engagement there will end. How do we ultimately define success there? We still have a number of unanswered questions."
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.
