In The News

In order to improve our nation’s fiscal future, Republicans and Democrats must work together. That is why last week, I officially announced that I was teaming up with Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA) to lead the Bipartisan Fiscal Forum or BFF.

The group’s mission is to sound the alarm about our nation’s unsustainable debt trajectory and work together on solutions to regain control of our fiscal situation. Members of the BFF began to informally meet in 2020 and have worked to put forward ideas that address our growing debt and exploding interest costs.

As interest rates rise to historical norms, the increased cost to finance the debt will crowd out funding for national defense programs as well as funding for domestic priorities that are important to Southwest Michigan. Whether it’s funding for harbor dredging to strengthen the local economy, Great Lakes protections, or rural broadband, all of these programs will face a financial squeeze as interest rates climb and more taxpayer dollars are allocated to service the national debt.

With our nation $32 trillion in debt and counting, failing to act is not a solution. There is little doubt that debt deniers exist across Washington, yet we cannot allow that mentality to dictate the conversation. If Republicans and Democrats aren’t talking to one another, we won’t know if there is agreement on 5, 15, or 50% of the solutions to the budgetary challenge our nation faces. No matter the number, I believe we should work together to build consensus and rebuild trust so we can deliver a better fiscal future for our children and our grandchildren.

With members representing Pennsylvania, Ohio, Hawaii, Kansas, Tennessee, Maine, California, and Utah, I believe the BFF encompasses a wide array of viewpoints that can change this conversation. The Bipartisan Fiscal Forum presents an opportunity for tangible solutions to improve our nation’s fiscal standing.

If you need help navigating a federal agency, please visit Huizenga.House.Gov or call my office in Holland at (616) 251-6741 or in Washington at (202) 225-4401 so we can assist you.