Huizenga Huddle
September 12, 2024
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U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga
 

Huizenga Huddle: September 12, 2024

 
 

Bipartisan Legislation to Support Veterans and Save Lives


The federal government must do more to support our veterans. With September being Suicide Prevention Month, I recently reached across the aisle to work with Rep. Luis Correa (D-CA) and introduce H.R. 9449, the Veterans Suicide Prevention and Care Enhancement Act, a bipartisan bill to reduce the number of veteran suicides.


When our soldiers come home at the end of their service, it doesn’t mean they have left the battlefield. The Veterans Suicide Prevention and Care Enhancement Act will help ensure the men and women who served our nation have better access to high-quality mental health care resources. This bipartisan bill will improve outcomes, strengthen the veteran community, and save lives by ensuring more providers in Community Care Networks are using evidence-based suicide prevention training.

H.R. 9449 is currently supported by: Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Association of VA Psychologist Leaders (AVAPL), and the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PAV). 


Below is a recent report from Fox 17 regarding the introduction of the Veterans Suicide Prevention and Care Enhancement Act.

 
 
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If you’re a veteran in crisis or concerned about a friend or family member, please contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, dial 988 then Press 1. Resources are also available online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.

 

Demanding Accountability for Gold Star Families


On Monday, I was humbled to join Gold Star Families who lost loved ones in Afghanistan during the attack on Abbey Gate. During the meeting, I thought about all those injured, including one soldier from West Michigan, during the Biden-Harris Administration’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.


Republicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee released a scathing report on the Biden-Harris Administration’s deadly failures. To date, Secretary Blinken and NSA Jake Sullivan have refused to testify regarding their role in the disastrous withdrawal.


I encourage everyone to read the full report entitled, “Willful Blindness: An Assessment of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Chaos that Followed.”


I will continue to fight and demand accountability for these Gold Star Families as well as our soldiers who were injured.

 
HFAC Press Conference 9/9/24
 

Never Forget


Yesterday marked 23 years since the horrific terrorist attacks against our nation that took place on September 11, 2001. We honor and remember the 2,977 lives lost as well as the bravery and heroism of the first responders who put themselves in harm's way without hesitation. My prayers go out to all of the families and friends who lost a loved one on this tragic day.

 
Never Forget 2024
 

Confronting Chinese Espionage and Increase Transparency on College Campuses


This week, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1516, the DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act. This legislation prevents the Department of Homeland Security from sending taxpayer dollars to American universities that host a Confucius Institute or maintain a relationship with Chinese entities of concern.


This legislation includes my amendment to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to report to Congress any institution of higher education that has a relationship with a Confucius Institute or Chinese entity of concern and receives funds from the Department of Homeland Security. The amendment was adopted with bipartisan support by a vote of 253-151 and H.R. 1516 passed the House by a vote of 249-161. 


This is another important step forward in the effort to stop the Chinese Communist Party from spreading propaganda, stealing intellectual property, and conducting other nefarious activities on American soil. I am glad my amendment gained bipartisan support to not only protect American innovation and taxpayer dollars but also hold our colleges and universities accountable.


Thank you to my colleague Rep. Ben Cline for introducing this amendment on my behalf while I was chairing a House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing.

 
HR 1516 Amendment Vote 253-151
 

Scrutinizing the Failed Use of ESG and the Influence of Proxy Advisors


Earlier this week, I led a House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing on ESG and the influence of proxy firms.


Along with the recent politicization of the SEC, proxy advisory firms have been given immense power to shift policy—often using a one-size-fits-all framework to promote a liberal, social agenda. As your voice in Congress, I will continue working to make it easier for Americans to save for retirement and build a more financially secure future. 


My opening remarks from Tuesday’s Oversight and Investigations Hearing are available below.

 
 
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Thank you for reading this edition of the Huizenga Huddle! If you would like to leave a comment, please contact my office in Holland at (616) 251-6741 or send me an email on my website at Huizenga.House.Gov/contact.

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