U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga

Huizenga Huddle: December 6, 2023

Building a Better Fiscal Future

Last week, I testified before the House Budget Committee on my Fiscal Commission Act. I introduced this bipartisan bill in September as a way to get our nation's fiscal house in order.

With our national debt now at $33.8 trillion and climbing, just the interest we pay on the debt already exceeds everything the federal government spends on children, and within 3 years, is projected to eclipse our entire defense budget.

I’m not interested in a partisan food fight. I want results that improve our nation's fiscal future, protect our seniors and current beneficiaries, and preserve Social Security and Medicare for future generations.

If the status quo holds and Congress does nothing, simply put, it will result in a cut of benefits for those who need them the most. The best path forward, in fact the only path forward, in my opinion, is a bipartisan, bicameral solution such as the Fiscal Commission Act.

You can watch my full opening remarks in the video below.

A Bipartisan Call to Save Social Security

Testifying along side me was my colleague Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA), who is the lead Democrat cosponsor of the Fiscal Commission Act.

During the hearing, Representative Peters laid out the importance of acting in a timely manner to preserve Social Security and protect the seniors that rely on it.

Below is the video as well as the key transcript of what Congressman Peters said in response to a question from a fellow Democrat regarding Social Security.

Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA): That is the frustrating thing for me being a Democrat trying to save Social Security and Medicare is that many people on our side of the aisle say don’t touch it.

Social Security is in the hospital bed with a weak heartbeat. We know it’s dead in ten years. We are talking about 23% across the board cuts if we do nothing. For those of us who want to save Social Security, we need to act now.

Currently, the Fiscal Commission Act is supported by 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats in the House. Importantly, this legislation also has companion legislation introduced in the Senate by Senators Joe Manchin and Mitt Romney. I will continue to update you on future action on the Fiscal Commission Act.

Bipartisan Action to Improve the Adoption Process

To cap off National Adoption Month, last Thursday, I was proud to team up with Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH) and Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) to introduce the PAPA Act. This bipartisan legislation is designed to remove barriers from the adoption process and connect children with a safe, loving, forever home. This bill takes important steps to respect both privacy and parental rights while protecting victims of domestic violence. To learn more about the PAPA Act, click here!

Improving Transparency at NIH

Last Tuesday, I introduced the Grant Reform and NIH Transparency or GRANT Act. Nearly 83% of NIH’s $48 billion budget goes to fund research through its grant program.

The GRANT Act will increase transparency and bring much needed light to the National Institutes of Health Grant Program. This reform driven legislation will also make the grant process at NIH more competitive, resulting in a more efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

Institutions should continue to innovate and compete to earn federal grants. Americans deserve to have their taxpayer dollars used to develop the most impactful and cutting-edge advancements possible. The GRANT Act will restore oversight, foster innovation, and increase accountability at NIH.

Learn more about the GRANT Act here.

Sharing Your Thoughts on Border Security

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, since January 2021, over six million illegal immigrants have crossed our southern border, more than 260 people on the terrorist watchlist have been apprehended, and roughly 51,000 pounds of fentanyl have been confiscated by border patrol agents.

With that in mind, in the latest Southwest Michigan Survey I asked residents: Do you think the border is secure? Here are the results from the survey.

On May 11th, the House passed H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act. This bill is the strongest border security bill to pass the House in the modern era. Through increased personnel, enhanced technology, and improved resources, we can properly secure our border, stop human trafficking, and reduce the flow of deadly drugs entering Southwest Michigan.

Despite having passed the House more than six months ago, the Senate has failed to pass border security legislation. I believe Congress must continue working to ensure this important legislation is signed into law for the protection of all American citizens.

Even Dirtbags Deserve Due Process

Thank you for reading this edition of the Huddle! If you or someone you know need assistance with a federal agency, please contact my office in Holland or Portage!

Huizenga Huddle: December 6, 2023

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