Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement on the passing of Richard DeVos:
"It's hard to imagine what West Michigan would look like without Richard DeVos. Rich was as approachable and as down to earth as they come. He exhibited the type of servant leadership that makes West Michigan such a special place. Through his philanthropic activities, Rich led by example, created new opportunities for countless West Michigan residents, and strived to make our community an even greater place to call home. While his legacy will live on, his leadership and friendship will be deeply missed."
On Friday, Congressman Huizenga commemorated the life, leadership, and legacy of Richard M. DeVos Sr. and the positive impact his philanthropic activities had on West Michigan. Bill's floor speech is posted below.
The latest edition of the Huizenga Huddle is out! This week I discuss tomorrow's forum in Ludington, tomorrow's Coffee Hours for constituents in Baldwin and Hart, the latest efforts to end the partial government shutdown, and my support for creating a culture that promotes life. You can sign up for the Huddle by visiting my website Huizenga.House.Gov
I appreciate the President bringing forward a proposal to secure our border and end the partial government shutdown. While I am still reviewing the proposal it clearly addresses important elements of border security including improved drug detection technology, more border patrol agents, and increased physical barriers. Additionally, this measure grants 700,000 DACA recipients and 300,000 temporary protected status immigrants an additional three years protection from deportation while Congress works on a larger immigration compromise. It is imperative Speaker Pelosi and the House Democrat Majority come to the negotiating table, consider the President's proposal, and actually have a conversation.
This afternoon, I had the honor of presenting 92 year old Orvid Lawson of Wyoming with a Congressional Gold Medal for his service in the Civil Air Patrol during WWII. We also posthumously presented Irwin Lawson, Orvid’s father, with a Congressional Gold Medal for his service in the CAP. Irwin was one of 65 CAP volunteers who lost their lives during WWII. Irwin’s Congressional Gold Medal was presented by Col. Rajesh Kothari the Commander of the Michigan Wing - Civil Air Patrol to Wilmer Lawson, Irwin’s son and brother to Orvid. Thank you to the Lawson family for sharing your stories and for your incredible service to our nation!
Where I stand: I am committed to creating a culture that values and respects the sanctity of life. I am dedicated to being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. And I will continue to proudly support policies that promote and protect life.
Today, I voted for ALL federal workers impacted by the government shutdown, including the U.S. Coast Guard, to receive their paychecks up to January 15th while discussions surrounding government funding and border security continue to be resolved. Unfortunately this common sense measure was rejected by the Majority. Democrats then proceeded to violate the rules of the House. After my colleagues and I objected to this, the Democrats have scheduled a recorded vote on their measure to take place next week.
