U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga

Huizenga Huddle
July 15, 2013

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The Huizenga Huddle: July 15, 2013

What's Happening In Washington:

Certainty For Farmers, Reductions In Spending, Results For Taxpayers

Last week I voted in support of the farm bill that passed the House by a vote of 216-208. While not a perfect bill, this legislation eliminates direct payments to farmers who don't farm their fields. Additionally, the bill modernizes federal agriculture policy by repealing FDR era farm policy and replacing it with a market-oriented approach. Lastly, this legislation saves taxpayers nearly $20 billion and is a positive step in the effort to reprioritize federal spending on agriculture.

Discussing The Economic Importance of the Great Lakes, Promoting An "All Of The Above" Energy Strategy

I also voted for and the House passed the FY 2014 Energy & Water Development Bill. This legislation reduces spending by $2.9 billion compared to the last fiscal year. This bill addresses a wide variety of subjects and programs including the House's "all of the above" energy strategy geared towards job creation as well as how the Army Corps of Engineers prioritizes the maintenance and dredging of ports and waterways across the country. The Energy & Water Developmental Bill passed the House by a vote of 227-198 and I spoke on the House floor regarding how the bill impacts the maintenance and dredging of Great Lakes harbors and waterways. Did you know it would take nearly 1.8 million standard-sized dump trucks to clear all the sediment built up in harbors and waterways included in the Great Lakes? Learn more HERE.

Speaking of energy, on Wednesday Ludington's Pumped Storage celebrated it's 40th anniversary. The Ludington Pumped Storage Plant was the largest pumped storage hydroelectric facility in the world when it was constructed. It spans 842 acres, is 2.5 miles long, and holds 27 billion gallons of water. There are six generating units at the plant that can produce enough electricity to power a city of 1.4 million residents. I just want to congratulate the plant as it works to fit into our 'all of the above' energy plan. Read my statement marking it's 40th anniversary celebration HERE.

Going Forward On Student Loans

It's time to take politics out of the student loan equation and stop having rates decided by the whims of congress. A market-based approach ends this game of political football in which students, families and Michigan are on the losing end. I remain hopeful the Senate will be able to strike a deal on a market-based solution similar to what President Obama has asked for and the House has already passed.

In The News:

Video - WOOD TV: Rep. Huizenga discusses the Senate's failure to act on student loans

Audio - WHTC: Huizenga talks student loans and how ObamaCare's continued delays will lead to its failure

Print - Detroit News: Huizenga says having Congress set rates has turned student loans into a “political football” that hurts students and families

Print - Holland Sentinel: Students in summer residential Upward Bound program visited by Bill Huizenga

The Michigan Minute:

Honoring and Remembering President Ford: 'Uncommon sense:' Gerald R. Ford honored during touching wreath-laying ceremony

VIDEO: It truly is an uphill climb, but my colleagues in the House and I are fighting an out-of-control Washington for you

Metro Detroit ranks 4th in nation for exports

Small business growth in Michigan slowed by Obamacare mandate

Kentwood's Tom Werkmeister wins third straight Kent County Amateur