Tonight, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after voting in favor of the continuing resolution to fund the federal government. The legislation passed this evening by the House eliminates the job-destroying medical device tax, delays ObamaCare's implementation for one year and ensures our men and women in uniform are funded in the event that Senate Democrats fail to act and force a government shutdown:
"Tonight, the House has again acted to keep the federal government functioning. This continuing resolution also includes two measures to protect Americans from the negative impacts of ObamaCare. While the Administration acts as if everything is 'a-ok' with the President's health care law, their actions speak louder than their words. Missing deadline after deadline, failing to ensure privacy concerns are met, and granting exemptions to the politically connected while Main Street is forced to contend with increasing costs, all clearly demonstrate that ObamaCare isn't ready for prime-time.
"Secondly, in West Michigan we have felt the chilling negative impact of ObamaCare's medical device tax firsthand. Stryker Corporation, based in Kalamazoo announced that because of this tax, it would be forced to lay off more than 1,000 employees and according to news reports will owe the federal government nearly $100 million this year alone. Making matters worse, ObamaCare will cost Stryker 20% of its total research and development budget, jeopardizing future medical advances and good paying jobs right here in Michigan.
"Repealing this job-destroying medical device tax will boost Michigan's recovery and ensure a path for future job creation, innovation, and scientific research in West Michigan.
"Finally, both of the measures included in the continuing resolution have had strong bipartisan support in the past. It's time for Senate Democrats to put down the political football, put their constituents first, and stop threatening to shut down the government."
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.
The engine of our economy is powered by small business job creators and thanks to tax and regulatory reform they are feeling more confident than ever before. "As the tax and regulatory landscape changed, so did small business expectations and plans," said NFIB President and CEO Juanita D. Duggan. Capital spending is at it's highest level in a decade and small businesses are reporting record levels of job creation!
