Last week, I spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to address this important issue. It is well past time for the Senate and the Biden Administration to implement the border reforms included in H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act. Restarting construction on the wall, ending the Biden Administration's catch-and-release policy, and reinstating the Remain in Mexico policy would help significantly improve security along our southern border. 
 
You can watch my full speech on the House floor below.

In the last month, the House has also passed several pieces of legislation to address the repercussions of President Biden's open border policies. 

On May 8th, the House passed H.R. 7109, the Equal Representation Act, by a vote of 206-202. This bill would require that the census include a "citizenship question" to indicate whether each household member is a U.S. citizen. Additionally, it would better secure our elections in the wake of President Biden’s Open Border Policy by ensuring that the number of noncitizens living within a state would not impact congressional district and Electoral College apportionments. All Republicans supported and all Democrats opposed this bill.

Then on May 15th, the House passed H.R. 7343, the Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act, by a vote of 265 to 148. This bill would require the Department of Homeland Security to take custody of and deport any inadmissible, non-U.S. national who is charged with, is convicted of, or admits to assaulting a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder. Only 54 Democrats joined all House Republicans by voting in favor of this bill.

Police Week: Thank You to the Men & Women Serving Our Community

During National Police Week, we honored the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women serving our community. During this time, we also held in our hearts those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

These brave men and women put on their uniforms every morning with no guarantee they will make it back home. Sadly, even traffic stops are anything but routine these days.

Last week, I spoke on the House floor to commemorate Police Week, thank local law enforcement for their service, and honor those tragically killed while protecting communities across Southwest Michigan. You can watch my remarks below.

Fiscal Responsibility Update: Supporting A Balanced Budget Amendment

As your voice in Congress, I have been working to end wasteful government spending and restore fiscal responsibility to the budget process.

I believe a key component of getting our nation’s fiscal house in order is adding a Balanced Budget Amendment to our Constitution. This is why I am an original cosponsor of H.J. Res. 113 which proposes an amendment to our Constitution requiring the federal government to balance the budget.

In my most recent survey, I asked Southwest Michigan residents "Do you believe Congress should pass a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution?" Here are the results of the survey.

Improving Air Travel, Strengthening the Economy in Battle Creek

Last week, the House passed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 by a vote of 387 to 26. This measure is a five-year reauthorization designed to fix issues impacting air travel, improve air safety, and reduce wait times. Importantly, this measure includes two key provisions I sponsored to strengthen economic opportunity in Battle Creek – including my bill, H.R. 8272, the Runway Integrity and Military Readiness Act. The FAA Reauthorization was signed into law on May 16th.

These important steps will strengthen Battle Creek economically and positively position Battle Creek for additional opportunities in the future.

Surveying Damage, Supporting the Community

Following the tragic storms that swept through Southwest Michigan earlier this month, I toured the tornado damage across the City of Portage and Pavilion Township. Thank you to the incredible first responders, Michigan State Police, and local officials who spearheaded the recovery and worked to clear the roads, fix downed power lines, and provide aid to the community.

I want to thank organizations like the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, and neighbors who came to aid residents in their time of need.

Later that weekend, I visited the Kalamazoo First Assembly of God in Portage. The Church worked with the Red Cross to provide shelter for families and pets displaced by the tornadoes. Consumers Energy and local restauranteurs also provided free hot meals to residents in need. Thank you to Operation Blessing, Convoy of Hope, and Pastor Dave for providing critical food and supplies to the community in this time of need.

Celebrating Tulip Time & "Rosies"

Thank you to everyone who lined the streets of Holland for the Volksparade to wrap up Tulip Time! It was great to see so many people visit and support the community.

Before the parade, I had the honor of meeting several women sharing the story of Rosie the Riveter. Included in the group was an original Rosie, Maxine Boeve.

Born in Kalamazoo and now a resident of Holland, Maxine recently celebrated her 100th birthday! It was my pleasure to present her with a copy of the Congressional Record commemorating this milestone, her service to our nation, and the sacrifices she made during WWII. 

When Maxine’s fiancé, Harold, was drafted, she started taking classes at the National Youth Administration in Grand Haven where she was trained in the Machine Shop to operate an engine lathe. By the time Harold returned, Maxine had saved enough money to help them buy 40 acres just north of Holland to call home.

It was absolutely wonderful to meet Maxine in person, thank her for her contributions, and hear her describe her story firsthand!

Thank you for reading this edition of the Huizenga Huddle! If you or someone you know needs help navigating a federal agency, please don’t hesitate to contact my office in either Holland or Portage!