It's been a busy few weeks in Washington, and in this edition of the Huddle, I am happy to share with you the work I've been doing to secure vital funding for Southwest Michigan as well as some of the important legislation I have introduced for both our community and our country.
Strengthening the Lakeshore Economy
On Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers released their Fiscal Year 2025 work plan that contained significant funding for harbors across Southwest Michigan. |
As Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force, I have led the successful bipartisan effort to fully fund the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) as well as increase the share of the funding that goes to the Great Lakes. The HMTF, which is funded by shippers utilizing our nation's ports, was previously raided and used for other expenditures unrelated to dredging and harbor maintenance.
Our harbors are enormous sources of economic activity for communities across Michigan. This funding will help ensure that Holland, Saugatuck, St. Joe, and South Haven are properly dredged and maximize the positive economic impact both commercial and recreational dollars have on lakeshore communities in terms of job creation and small business growth.
Over the weekend, WWMT discussed the important impact these dredging dollars will have on Southwest Michigan. You can watch their coverage below. |
Supercharging Michigan Manufacturing: The Made in America Motors Act
On May 7th, I introduced the Made in America Motors Act. This bill would make interest on new car loans tax deductible. This deduction is only for American-made vehicles and would be available to whether they itemize or take the standard deduction. Consistent with a key promise made by President Trump, this commonsense measure would reward taxpayers for buying American and strengthen manufacturing, especially the good-paying auto jobs right here in Michigan.
The Made in America Motors Act is a win for American taxpayers, autoworkers, and Michigan! To learn more about this important legislation, check out this article from the Detroit Free Press. |
Protecting Michigan
Thank you to the men and women at the FBI for thwarting a terrorist attack at the U.S. Army TACOM in Warren. Under the leadership of Director Kash Patel, the FBI has refocused its efforts on capturing dangerous criminals who somehow evaded capture during the previous administration. I am glad to see the FBI continue to focus on stopping potential attacks like this. |
BRAVE Burma Act
On May 6th, I Introduced the BRAVE Burma Act to save lives and stop the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Burma. As the founder of the Congressional Burma Caucus, I believe the United States can and must do more to protect the people of Burma and stop the genocide being committed by the military junta.
The BRAVE Burma Act helps cut off the revenue sources the junta uses to facilitate these horrific attacks. On May 7th, I discussed the importance of the BRAVE Burma Act and the large number of Burmese that call Southwest Michigan home with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
I was glad to hear Secretary Bessent commit the Trump Administration to working with me and my bipartisan colleagues to end the violence and save lives in Burma. You can watch our conversation on this important effort in the video below. |
Improving Housing Affordability
Housing affordability is a topic of conversation in communities not only here in Southwest Michigan, but across the state and around the nation. We need to make sure entry level homes are available, safe, and affordable for qualified, prospective homebuyers.
With that in mind, last Tuesday, the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced funding for Southwest Michigan. This funding is from legislation I voted for to improve affordability and economic opportunity for low and moderate income residents through community development block grants. |
The communities of Battle Creek and Kalamazoo also qualify for federal funding through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. Battle Creek will receive an additional $254,254 and Kalamazoo will receive an additional $456,817.
The HOME Investment Partnerships Program provides grants to states and localities - often in partnership with local nonprofit groups - to fund a wide range of activities including building, buying, and rehabilitating affordable housing or providing rental assistance to low-income individuals. It is my hope that these grants will help improve affordability for families and individuals across Southwest Michigan.
Supporting Kids' Health & Sports
On Friday, I stopped by Discover Kalamazoo to discuss the work they are doing to make Kalamazoo an even better place to call home. Specifically, we talked about ways the Youth Sports Facility Act, bipartisan legislation I introduced last month to support kids in Southwest Michigan and across the nation, could help fill funding gaps by increasing access to existing grants. Their upcoming project will bring almost $50 million of annual economic impact as a result of visitor spending from tournaments while also providing local youth with a much-needed new sports facility. To learn more about the Youth Sports Facilities Act and how it will help small business, click here. |
Just The News
Last Tuesday, I joined John Solomon and Amanda Head on Just the News to discuss a variety of topics, including my work to stop the weaponization of government, the state of the economy, bringing manufacturing back to the United States, tax reform, and more! You can watch our conversation by clicking on the picture below. |
Backing the Blue
Last week, we honored the service of officers, deputies, and troopers here in Michigan and across the nation. At the Capitol, I attended several events to thank officers for their tireless efforts to keep communities safe. Police week also provides us a time to honor the memory of those who were killed while serving our community.
On Thursday, I was able to meet with the family of Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Officer Daniel Kerstetter. MC Officer Kerstetter tragically lost his life last year as a result of an on-duty crash. It was extremely humbling to speak with Mrs. Kerstetter and share my condolences with their family.
This Police Week served as a somber reminder that there is no such thing as a routine traffic stop. As your voice in Congress, I will continue to support our law enforcement officers and their families. |
Honoring the Fallen on Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a solemn day to reflect and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. This Memorial Day, I will be thinking of Staff Sergeant Troy Smith Knutson-Collins.
In April, Staff Sergeant Knutson-Collins, a graduate of Harper Creek High School in 2015, tragically lost his life during a tactical training exercise in Lithuania.
Earlier this month, I spoke on the House floor to honor the life, service, and memory of Staff Sergeant Knutson-Collins. I will be thinking about the wife, children, and parents who are missing him and how different Memorial Day truly is for their family. I hope you will join me in praying for them during this time of immense loss. |
Thank you for reading this edition of the Huizenga Huddle! If you would like to share your thoughts, or if you need assistance with a federal agency, please don't hesitate to send me an email! |
|
