On Friday, the House passed legislation to allow people who have had their individual insurance policies canceled because of ObamaCare to keep that insurance, by a vote of 261 to 157. While there is much more to do to address health care, this was a significant vote because 39 House Democrats joined Republicans in working to protect Americans from the negative impacts of ObamaCare.

On Thursday evening, I discussed how ObamaCare is impacting residents of the Second District. Click the picture below to watch my "one minute" on YouTube.

In The Second District​:                                                                                         

For Veterans Day, I joined officials at Grand Valley State University for the dedication of a new Student Veterans' Lounge at the Kirkhof Center. Additionally, GVSU announced it is going to begin offering in-state tuition for our nation's veterans. Read more about GVSU's commitment to ensuring our men and women in uniform as well as our veterans have access to a quality education in West Michigan HERE​.

Later that afternoon, I had the honor of holding a medals ceremony to reunite West Michigan veterans or their surviving family members with the medals and commendations earned during their time in the service.  You can view pictures from the ceremony in Grand Haven HERE.​

While Veterans Day is listed on the calendar as November 11th, the admiration we show our servicemen and women should last year-round. If you know a veteran in the Second District that has lost , misplaced, or never received the medals they earned during their time in the service, please call my Grandville office at (616) 570-0917.
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Financial Services Update​​:​
                                                       
On Wednesday, I chaired a Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee Hearing examining central banks from developed economies across the globe and how they compare to the Federal Reserve.  Learn more about the hearing here.                                                            

Thursday morning, I spoke with Gary Stevens on 1450 WHTC about the Federal Reserve artificially lowering interest rates, ObamaCare, and the need for a balanced budget amendment.  The full interview is available here.

Thursday evening, the House Financial Services Committee unanimously passed my legislation, H.R. 2274, The Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, and Brokerage Simplification Act. This legislation will remove regulatory roadblocks threatening job creation, economic growth, and future investment while allowing for the smooth sale and transfer of both small and mid-sized businesses. 

A 57-0 vote demonstrates how substantive legislation can be offered and gain bipartisan support despite the vast philosophical divide that currently exists in Washington.  I will be sure to keep you informed when this legislation will come to the House floor.

Michigan Minute
                                                                                                               
USS Gerald R. Ford: West Michigan continues to contribute to President Ford's Legacy

Auto Parts Manufacturer to invest in Kentwood, create 150 jobs

Did You Know? Michigan now leads the nation in job creation in the manufacturing sector - it's true! Read more HERE

Michigan Catholic Conference challenges Affordable Care Act contraception mandate in federal court

Gentex lands in The Detroit Free Press' "Top Workplaces" in Michigan Top 10

Western Michigan University named 'Best for Vets' school for fourth year in a row