Press Releases

Last night, President Obama signed into law the Federal Vehicle Repair Cost Savings Act of 2015, authored by Congressman Bill Huizenga and Senator Gary Peters. This bipartisan “Made-in-Michigan” legislation saves taxpayer dollars by directing federal agencies to use remanufactured components to repair and maintain the federal vehicle fleet when using those parts would lower costs, achieve high safety standards and maintain quality as well as performance.

“This commonsense solution will save taxpayer dollars while providing the opportunity for good-paying remanufacturing jobs to be created right here in West Michigan,” said Congressman Huizenga. “This legislation demonstrates that even in a divided Washington, it is possible for Congress to pass bipartisan solutions that reduce federal spending. I look forward to building on this legislative accomplishment by finding more ways to reform Washington and make the federal government even more accountable to taxpayers in Michigan and across the nation.”

A 2013 GAO report found that the federal government owns a fleet of approximately 588,000 vehicles. The cost of maintaining this fleet has soared to nearly $1 billion. By directing federal agencies to use remanufactured parts, the Federal Vehicle Repair Cost Savings Act will save taxpayers millions of dollars.

On September 28th, Congressman Huizenga discussed the Federal Vehicle Repair Cost Savings Act on the House floor and detailed how it will impact West Michigan and communities throughout the country.

“According to the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, remanufacturing of motor vehicle parts is responsible for over 30,000 full-time jobs across the United States. For example, in my district, Valley Truck Parts, headquartered in Wyoming, Michigan, employs 250 Michiganders. In Kentwood, North America Fuel Systems Remanufacturing employs more than 150 people,” said Congressman Huizenga. “These companies, among so many others, demonstrate how remanufacturing supports good-paying middle class jobs in manufacturing states like Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.”