Press Releases

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to strengthen our national defense, provide our troops with a pay-raise, and support manufacturing in Michigan.

"The National Defense Authorization Act is vital to ensuring our troops have the resources they need to complete their mission. This year's NDAA includes a well-deserved pay raise for our troops, reforms the military acquisitions process to improve results for taxpayers, and maintains the prohibition on transferring detainees at Guantanamo Bay to American soil.

"Specifically for Michigan, this legislation opens the door for hardworking manufacturers to compete for the honor of supplying our troops with the best American-made footwear available. This means more good-paying manufacturing jobs can be created right here in Michigan."

Since 1941, federal law has required our servicemen and women to be outfitted with equipment and uniforms made in America to the greatest extent possible. Until recently, that was not possible with athletic shoes supplied to recruits during training. Today, multiple American companies can produce 100% made in America shoes. One of these companies, Bates Footwear, is located in Big Rapids, Michigan.

The National Defense Authorization Act conference report passed with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 375-34.

To learn more about Congressman Huizenga efforts to support our troops and Michigan manufacturing, click here.