Press Releases

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) led a bipartisan letter calling for the National Guard to void the contract that has led to members of the Michigan National Guard receiving unacceptable and inadequate quality of food while deployed to the U.S. Capitol. Constituents serving and currently deployed to Washington D.C. have reported receiving significantly undercooked food and even meals containing metal shavings. The Representatives call for a new food vendor or for a per diem to be provided.

In the letter, Huizenga and the Michigan Delegation state:

“We understand that the decision was made to provide contracted meals to support the entire federal response stationed at the Capitol. However, it is clear that these contracted meals are poorly prepared, oftentimes inedible, and highly inadequate to support our soldiers. It is completely unacceptable that our men and women serving in Washington D.C. are being hospitalized due to the food they are being provided. As Representatives of these service members, we request that either the current contract be voided and a new food provider be brought in or that the service members be provided with a per diem throughout their remaining time in Washington, D.C.”

Joining Rep. Huizenga on the letter are U.S. Representatives: Debbie Dingell, Tim Walberg, Brenda Lawrence, Jack Bergman, Haley Stevens, Fred Upton, Elissa Slotkin, John Moolenaar, Dan Kildee, Peter Meijer, Andy Levin, Lisa McClain and Rashida Tlaib. This is the entire Michigan Delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives

The Michigan Representatives letter to the National Guard is available online here with the text copied below:

March 2, 2021

General Daniel R. Hokanson

Chief, National Guard Bureau

The Pentagon

Arlington, VA 20301

Dear General Hokanson:

Over the last few months, members of the Michigan National Guard have honorably served in support of the mission to provide security and assistance in and around the U.S. Capitol. These men and women have once again answered the call in service to both the state of Michigan and the United States.

Recently, there have been several reports regarding the poor quality of food that is being provided to these service members. Michigan National Guard members stationed in our nation’s capital have repeatedly and personally brought these concerns directly to our offices and to the leadership of the National Guard. These reports include meals being provided that are badly undercooked, raw, moldy, and even filled with metal shavings.

We understand that the decision was made to provide contracted meals to support the entire federal response stationed at the Capitol. However, it is clear that these contracted meals are poorly prepared, oftentimes inedible, and highly inadequate to support our soldiers. It is completely unacceptable that our men and women serving in Washington D.C. are being hospitalized due to the food they are being provided. As Representatives of these service members, we request that either the current contract be voided and a new food provider be brought in or that the service members be provided with a per diem throughout their remaining time in Washington, D.C.

The members of the National Guard have served honorably throughout the duration of this operation. We must never turn our backs on our soldiers, especially as they have demonstrated time and time again that haven’t turned our backs on us.

Thank you for your service to our nation and we look forward to a prompt response.