U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga

The Huizenga Huddle: February 21, 2025

Passed: My Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Southwest Michigan’s Economy

I am happy to report that my bipartisan legislation, the Credit Union Board Modernization Act, unanimously passed the House on February 10th!

Credit unions play a critical role in helping local small businesses access credit while expanding economic opportunity for families across all walks of life. This legislation will go a long way in providing necessary regulatory relief for credit unions in Southwest Michigan and around the country.

These commonsense reforms will allow federally chartered credit unions in good standing to be afforded the same reasonable governance practices that already exist at the state level. This means more resources can be used to strengthen small businesses and help strengthen our local economy instead of being used on duplicative regulations.

I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Congressman Vargas and look forward to seeing these reforms enacted into law. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

Holding Bureaucrats at USAID Accountable

I am disappointed by the repeated misuse and disrespect of taxpayer dollars by bureaucrats at USAID who have put their personal political agenda ahead of American interests.

Of course, not all USAID programs are inadequate. Some save countless lives every day. For example, in Burma, a USAID-funded program provides an early warning system for airstrikes on Chin communities that regularly face the threat of bombing from the brutal junta. This life-saving program is an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars and should be maintained.

However, excessive, wasteful spending exists within the agency in every corner of the world, and radical liberal programming oftentimes runs counter to local norms and core American values. This takes lifesaving aid out of the hands of people in need.

For example, instead of focusing on their core mission, bureaucrats at USAID spent $128 million on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) consultants in Africa where China and Russia are working to destabilize numerous countries and civil wars are prevalent. Sadly, this is just one example regarding the misguided use of taxpayer dollars.

If you want to learn more, watch the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing led by West Michigan native Rep. Brian Mast (FL-21) below.

Inside the Committee Room: Building a Stronger Economic Future

The House Financial Services Committee has hit the ground running in the 119th Congress. Last week, the committee held a hearing on charting a path forward for digital assets.

Digital assets have the potential to revolutionize payment systems in the United States, allowing financial systems to become more efficient and more accessible to consumers. Congress and the SEC must work together to provide clear rules of the road for all digital asset market participants while offering consumer protections.

You can watch part of our conversation on this important topic below.

This past Thursday, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell presented the Fed’s semi-annual Monetary Policy Report to the House Financial Services Committee. I asked the Chair to refocus on the Fed's core mandate to maximize employment, promote stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates. As persistent inflation continues, it is Southwest Michigan families who ultimately suffer. You can watch our exchange in the clip below.

Sanctuary Policies Endanger Our Community

Last month, the Kalamazoo Township Supervisor sent me a letter regarding the Township Board potentially adopting a sanctuary ordinance that would order local law enforcement to not cooperate with federal immigration authorities. I sent a response to Supervisor Combs to express my concerns with this plan and ask that he reconsider.

Given Kalamazoo Township’s proximity to U.S. 131 and the I-94 Corridor, I believe a sanctuary resolution creates a direct threat not only to the township itself but also to the surrounding communities by signaling to those illegally smuggling people and deadly drugs, such as fentanyl, that Kalamazoo Township is a safe harbor for their operations.

The men and women of our local, state, and federal law enforcement community put their lives on the line each day to protect our community. We should show our gratitude for their sacrifices by supporting them, not making their jobs more difficult. I urge the board to reconsider this misguided proposal and instead engage with all law enforcement officials on ways we can make our community safer.

The full letter can be viewed by clicking the picture below. You can also read the Kalamazoo Gazette's coverage of this story here.

An Update on Progress Securing Our Borders

As a result of President Trump prioritizing border security, the number of gotaways and the number of encounters have both plummeted. In fact, over a 24-hour period earlier this week, the U.S. Border Patrol encountered a total of 229 individuals across the southwest border, down from a peak of more than 11,000 a day under the Biden Administration. This is an incredible improvement. Thank you to the men and women working tirelessly to secure our border and enforce the law.

A significant amount of attention is rightfully paid to our southern border. However, security on our northern border is also an area that must be improved. Just last week, agents in Sault Ste. Marie apprehended seven illegal immigrants from Mexico. This is why President Trump has called on our Canadian neighbors to step up enforcement efforts on their side of the border.

In Congress, House Republicans are continuing to help President Trump deliver on the promise to secure our borders by making sure those tasked with enforcing our laws have the ability to properly do their job and keep communities in Michigan and around the country safe.

Last week, the House passed the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act. This commonsense legislation finally updates the law by establishing federal penalties for those who intentionally evade Border Patrol agents. Passing this bill with bipartisan support sends a clear message to illegal immigrants and criminal cartels that the U.S. has zero tolerance for those who intentionally break our laws, engage Border Patrol in dangerous high-speed chases, and endanger our law enforcement officers.

Waste Watch

On Wednesday, the Washington Free Beacon reported the Biden Administration set aside $2 billion for an organization that had only $100 in revenue the year prior. Making matters even more suspicious are the political connections and the fact the Biden Administration attempted to hide the money by “parking” it at an outside financial institution.

There are so many red flags here. Congress should work in tandem with the Trump Administration to claw back this blatant abuse of taxpayer dollars. Read the entire story by clicking on the image below.

Thank you for reading this edition of the Huizenga Huddle. For more updates on how I am working for you in Washington you can follow me on social media, and, as always, please don't hesitate to contact my office.

The Huizenga Huddle: February 21, 2025

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