Press Releases

This week, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) led a bipartisan delegation from the House of Representatives to the Netherlands. The purpose of the trip was to highlight and further strengthen the relationship the United States and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on the Netherlands, Congressman Huizenga traveled to the Netherlands at the invitation of the Dutch Government. Joining him on this legislative exchange were Reps. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), who co-chairs the EU Caucus, John “Judge” Carter (R-TX), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), and Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ).

The delegation joined Ambassador Pete Hoekstra for the opening of the new U.S. Embassy in Wassenaar, received a NATO briefing at the Eygelshoven Army Depot, visited the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten where 8,301 American service men and women are laid to rest, met with Defense Minister Ank Bijleveld to discuss shared security interests, toured the innovative technology and research hub of Brainport Eindhoven, observed the largest port in Europe at Rotterdam, and held meetings with dignitaries at the Peace Palace as well as Dutch Parliament.

“The shared history between the United States and the Netherlands runs deep, and nowhere is that more apparent than right here in West Michigan,” said Congressman Huizenga. “I want to thank the Kingdom of the Netherlands for their hospitality. Our countries have shared robust economic, security, and cultural ties for more than 400 years. It is my goal to continue to strengthen these bonds and build an even greater partnership in the years to come.”

Congressman Huizenga speaking at the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Wassenaar

Ambassador Hoekstra, Rep. Huizenga, members of the U.S. Delegation, and Dutch Officials open the US Embassy

Rep. Huizenga speaking with American troops at Eygelshoven Army Depot

Honoring American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during WWII

Meeting with the Dutch families who have adopted the gravesites of fallen American soldiers

Ambassador Hoekstra, Diane Hoekstra, and Congressman Huizenga on the SS Rotterdam

The historic Holland American Line/New York Hotel site in Rotterdam where many Dutch immigrants departed the Netherlands headed for the United States and Canada