Summary
Current Position: US Representative of MI 4thDistrict (formerly the 2nd) since 2011
Affiliation: Republican
Former Position: State Delegate from 2003 – 2009
District: covers much of the southwestern corner of the state, including Kalamazoo, Holland and Battle Creek.
Upcoming Election:
Born to a family of Dutch Americans, Huizenga is the co-owner and operator of Huizenga Gravel Company, a family business in Jenison, Michigan. In the early 1990s, he worked in real estate. He left real estate in 1996, becoming an aide to U.S. Representative Pete Hoekstra.
Featured Quote:
Both governments should follow the science and drop all travel restrictions for travelers between the United States and Canada who are fully vaccinated travelers or provide proof of a negative PCR test.
Rep. Huizenga asks about payment for order flow, if retail investing is gambling at GameStop hearing
OnAir Post: Bill Huizenga MI-04
News
About
Source: Government page
Congressman Bill Huizenga (HIGH-zen-guh) represents Michigan’s 2nd Congressional District which stretches from Kentwood to the lakeshore and up the coast of Lake Michigan from Holland to Ludington. Huizenga was first elected to Congress in 2010 and is currently serving in his sixth term.
As a member of the prestigious House Financial Services Committee, Huizenga has focused on removing government-imposed barriers to private sector job creation and increasing transparency across the federal government. Because of his steadfast leadership, Congressman Huizenga has been selected to serve as Ranking Member on the Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship, and Capital Markets Subcommittee for the 117th Congress.
Congressman Huizenga has focused oversight efforts pertaining to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) operations, activities, and initiatives to ensure that it fulfills its congressional mandate to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation. This subcommittee also has jurisdiction pertaining to credit rating agencies, investment advisers, mutual funds, accounting standards, equity/option market structure, and fixed-income market structure. Bill is also serving on the Housing, Community Development, and Insurance Subcommittee in the 117th Congress. Previously, Bill served as a member of the Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee where he focused on restoring accountability and transparency to the Federal Reserve.
Since January of 2017, Congressman Huizenga has been elected by his colleagues to serve as a Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force. This bipartisan group fosters cooperation and support for policies and programs that enhance the environmental health of the Great Lakes while also ensuring the full economic potential of the Great Lakes region is realized. As a bipartisan leader on the Great Lakes, Huizenga has successfully rallied bipartisan support for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), a program that is vital to preserving and protecting the Great Lakes ecology while also promoting opportunities for the Great Lakes economy. The GLRI has had multiple success stories across West Michigan and throughout the Great Lakes basin.
Congressman Huizenga is also a founding member of the bipartisan PFAS Task Force. From during the 116th Congress, the goals of the Task Force include: educating members of Congress and the public about the potential impacts of PFAS; help craft bipartisan legislation to help communities recover from PFAS contamination, and working to determine the proper health and safety levels of PFAS. Bill believes residents in West Michigan across the nation deserve to know the truth and the full picture about the health risks as well as the sources associated with PFAS and PFOAS.
Huizenga’s interest in public service began when he was a young boy. When the family was gathered around the dinner table, his father would encourage thoughtful discussions surrounding business and politics. Huizenga went on to attend Holland Christian High School, and later received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Calvin College. After college, Bill began his career as a Realtor and entrepreneur. Today, Bill co-owns Huizenga Gravel Inc. located in Jenison, MI.
Bill became deeply familiar with the issues facing West Michigan residents while serving as the Director of Public Policy for Congressman Pete Hoekstra. That experience combined with Bill’s first-hand knowledge of the regulatory and tax burdens facing small businesses and the desire to create a better environment for his children inspired Bill to return to public service.
In 2002, Huizenga was elected to represent the southern portion of Ottawa County, Michigan’s 90th District, in the Michigan House of Representatives. There, he served in elected leadership roles as well as Chairman of the Commerce Committee. He was re-elected until term-limited out in 2008.
Congressman Huizenga is a lifelong resident of Ottawa County, where he currently resides with his wife and children.
Personal
Full Name: William ‘Bill’ Patrick Huizenga
Gender: Male
Family: Wife: Natalie; 5 Children: Garrett, Adrian, Alexandra, Willam, Sieger
Birth Date: 01/31/1969
Birth Place: Zeeland, MI
Home City: Zeeland, MI
Religion: Christian
Source: Vote Smart
Education
BA, Political Science, Calvin College, 1991
Political Experience
Representative, United States House of Representatives, Michigan, District 2, 2011-2023
Candidate, United States House of Representatives, Michigan, District 4, 2023-Present
Candidate, United States House of Representatives, Michigan, District 2, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020
Representative, Michigan State House of Representatives, District 90, 2003-2008
Assistant Majority Floor Leader, Michigan State House of Representatives, 2003-2008
Candidate, Michigan State House of Representatives, District 90, 2002, 2004, 2006
Professional Experience
Co-Owner, Huizenga Gravel Company, 1999-present
Former Campaign Director, United States Representative Peter Hoekstra
Director, Advancement and Promotion, Zeeland Christian School, 2009-2010
Public Policy Director, United States Representative Peter Hoekstra, 1997-2003
Realtor, Woodland Realty, 1993-1997
Offices
Washington, D.C. Office
2232 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4401
Fax: (202) 226-0779
Grandville Office
4555 Wilson Ave. SW Suite 3,
Grandville, MI 49418
Phone: (616) 570-0917
Fax: (616) 570-0934
Grand Haven Office
1 South Harbor Ave. Suite 6B,
Grand Haven, MI 49417
Phone: (616) 414-5516
Fax: (616) 570-0934
Contact
Email: Government
Web Links
Politics
Source: none
Finances
Source: Open Secrets
Committees
Congressman Huizenga serves on the prestigious House Financial Services Committee, which has jurisdiction over issues pertaining to banking, housing, insurance, monetary policy, and international finance, Congressman Huizenga adds his life experience as a small business leader to legislative decision-making.
During the 118th Congress, Congressman Huizenga will serve as the Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee on the House Financial Services Committee. This Subcommittee will oversee all agencies, departments, programs and matters within the Financial Services Committee’s jurisdiction. Federal agencies under the purview of the Financial Service Committee include: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Reserve, the Department of Treasury, and the Government Sponsored Enterprises (Fannie & Freddie) to name a few.
Congressman Huizenga will also serve as a member of the Subcommittee on Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship, and Capital Markets. This subcommittee spearheads efforts regarding all aspects of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) operations, activities, and initiatives to ensure that it fulfills its congressional mandate to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation. Rep. Huizenga has previously served on the Housing, Community Development, and Insurance Subcommittee as well as the Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee where he focused on restoring accountability and transparency to the Federal Reserve.
This is Congressman Huizenga’s seventh term on the Financial Services Committee. Previous memberships include Chair of the Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee, the Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee, International Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee, and Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology Subcommittee. For more information about Congressman Huizenga’s work on the Financial Services Committee, click here.
For the first time, Rep. Huizenga will also be serving on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. This committee has jurisdiction over national security as it pertains to foreign policy as well as oversight over the deployment and use of United States Armed Forces. Additionally the committee overseas dual use technology issues, matters pertaining to arms control and a host international programs and entities.
As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Huizenga has been selected to serve on the Subcommittee on Europe as well as the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. These Subcommittee have jurisdiction over the following within their specified regions:
(1) Matters affecting the political relations between the United States and the countries of the region, including resolutions or other legislative measures directed to such relations.
(2) Legislation with respect to disaster assistance outside the Foreign Assistance Act, boundary issues, and international claims.
(3) Legislation with respect to region- or country-specific loans or other financial relations outside the Foreign Assistance Act.
(4) Legislation and oversight regarding human rights practices in particular countries.
(5) Oversight of regional lending institutions.
(6) Oversight of matters related to the regional activities of the United Nations, of its affiliated agencies, and of other multilateral institutions.
(7) Identification and development of options for meeting future problems and issues relating to U.S. interests in the region.
(8) Oversight of base rights and other facilities access agreements and regional security pacts.
(9) Concurrent oversight jurisdiction with respect to matters assigned to the functional subcommittees insofar as they may affect the region.
(10) Oversight of foreign assistance activities affecting the region, with the concurrence of the Chairman of the full Committee.
(11) Such other matters as the Chairman of the full Committee may determine.
New Legislation
See: Government Page
Issues
Source: Government page
Families across the nation understand what it means to make tough choices each day about what they can and cannot afford. As a small business owner, Congressman Huizenga understands this principle is one of the most basic tenets of business as well. Elected officials should not be allowed to simply pass on making these tough decisions and should be held to the same standard as American taxpayers and small business job creators.
However, today our nation is in the red by more than $23,000,000,000,000 – and yes, there are 12 zeroes in one trillion dollars. Our nation’s long-term deficit and current national debt level is both unfathomable and unsustainable. We simply must change the trajectory of spending in Washington. In the short-term, Congress can begin immediately by enacting sensible cost-cutting measures and eliminating wasteful and duplicative federal programs. In order to prevent crippling deficits and debt over the long-term, federal entitlement programs must be reformed in a way that protects current beneficiaries and allows current workers to enjoy a safe and stable retirement. We must restore fiscal sanity.
As a matter of principle, taxpayers have the right to a federal government that does not grow beyond their ability to pay for it and the right to expect a balanced federal budget. Additionally, Congress must create an atmosphere that fosters job growth. Simply put, the private sector, not the public sector, creates prosperity. We don’t need more government or a bigger one. We just need our government to focus on accountability, fiscal responsibility, and oversight. A balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution would help achieve this objective and is something Congressman Huizenga strongly supports.
Many states, including Michigan, require a balanced budget. There is no reason the federal government cannot achieve the same. This common-sense measure would force Congress to eliminate unnecessary and wasteful spending and make the decisions necessary to balance the budget and eliminate the federal deficit
f t # e
America’s entrepreneurial spirit is as old as the country itself, and is foundational to our unique experiment in democracy. Even the words of our Constitution were penned with the same fearless ambition, courage through adversity, and bold dreams that small business owners have embodied for over 240 years.
Today, American small businesses are the backbone our economy, accounting for nearly 90% of all companies and half of the working population. In recent years, however, the entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses has been under attack by burdensome regulations, which increases costs, slows growth, and eliminates opportunities.
Congressman Huizenga knows firsthand what it takes to operate a small business, and continues to fight on behalf of small businesses across the country. As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, which has jurisdiction over issues pertaining to banking, housing, insurance, monetary policy, and international finance, Congressman Huizenga adds his life experience as a small business leader to legislative decision-making.
Congressman Huizenga serves on two subcommittees for the 116th Congress. He is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship, and Capital Markets. Congressman Huizenga assists in minority leadership, spearheading efforts regarding all aspects of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) operations, activities, and initiatives to ensure that it fulfills its congressional mandate to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation.
Congressman Huizenga also serves on the Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance, which handles matters related to public, affordable, and rural housing, community development projects, and sponsored insurance programs, including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
This is Congressman Huizenga’s fifth term on the Financial Services Committee. Previous memberships include Chair of the Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee, the Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee, International Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee, and Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology Subcommittee.
Civil Rights
Long before Representative Huizenga had the honor and privilege to serve as West Michigan’s voice in Congress, he made a commitment to always promote a culture that respects life. Every child deserves the right to make their impact on this world.
As a member of the bipartisan pro-life caucus, Congressman Huizenga has remained steadfast in his defense of the unborn by working to prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortions; promote quality care centers over abortion facilities; and advocate against gruesome, late-term abortions.
Congressman Huizenga’s commitment to life has not wavered. He has continued to be a tireless voice for unborn children and work to ensure that these precious lives are protected. Rep. Huizenga has consistently supported legislation to end federal funding for Planned Parenthood, prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to pay for abortion services, and protect lives through legislation such as the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.
When tax reform came before the House in late 2017, Congressman Huizenga was one of leading voices calling for the restoration of the Adoption Tax Credit. West Michigan has a strong history of opening its doors to children in need of a forever home. If a loving family wants to welcome a child into their home, the federal government should encourage the removal of financial barriers to adoption.
Congressman Huizenga is committed to creating a culture that protects and values life.
Economy
For decades, Washington’s spending problem led to a tax code that hurt American families, small businesses, and our nation’s economy. In December of 2017, Congress passed and the president signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This bill creates a simpler and fairer code for all Americans. It creates and keeps jobs here at home while giving small business owners the flexibility they need to grow. Most importantly, this plan allows you to keep more of your hard-earned paycheck.
With passage of this law, America can once again be the world leader in job creation and economic growth, and we can rebuild our middle class by making sure those high-paying jobs are created right here at home instead of in foreign countries. Since passage of this bill, numerous companies across West Michigan and around the country have announced bonuses, pay raises, new hiring, and more investments in the American economy.
Equally important is the size, scope, and efficiency of our regulatory structure. As a small business owner, Congressman Huizenga understands that poorly constructed and outdated regulations can weigh on job creators. Which is why he continues his work to reform and modernize our regulatory structure to help create an environment where both job creators and workers can thrive instead of being held back by their government.
The United States must adopt a long-term, multifaceted approach to address the current status of energy prices. We cannot allow the federal government to pick winners and losers when it comes to various forms of energy, and Congress can prevent this by enacting an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy. A comprehensive energy package that increases energy independence and job creation encourages the development of alternative and renewable energy sources and promotes greater efficiencies and conservation for a cleaner environment. This approach would ensure that we are providing energy solutions without placing America at a competitive disadvantage with the rest of the world.
Agriculture is an important job creator and a major contributor to the U.S. economy, and particularly in West Michigan. In fact, Michigan’s food and agriculture industry contributes $101.2 billion annually to the state’s economy and employs nearly a quarter of the state’s workforce. The agricultural diversity in the 2nd Congressional District is second only to California. In fact, the Second District leads Michigan not only in market value, but also in livestock, poultry, pork, fruit, nursery, greenhouse, and floriculture production.
It is important for Congress to provide an environment in which agricultural producers can flourish and remain competitive domestically, and abroad. As Congress debates the various agricultural issues, Congressman Huizenga is focused on trade, labor, and regulation and its impact on Michigan’s agricultural businesses.
Education
f t # e
Congressman Huizenga supports an approach to education that re-establishes local control. Our teachers, school administrators, parents and neighbors are the best qualified to make decisions regarding the education of our children. They know the names of our children and what they need to succeed, not bureaucrats in Washington who try a one-size fits all approach.
For too long, the federal approach to education has been layering mandate after mandate upon states and schools.
This is why Congress recently passed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This law aims to remove the bureaucracy handed down to states from Washington by granting states the flexibility they need to spend more of their own money on priorities that will best help students achieve academic excellence.
While it is important to reduce the achievement gap and hold schools responsible for failing to adequately educate their students, key reforms must be balanced with increased educational options. When a school is not the best fit for a child, parents should have the flexibility to choose the school that best meets their child’s needs. In the same way, schools should have the ability to use innovation to improve their educational programs, without burdensome federal interference.
Environment
The protection and restoration of our Great Lakes is one of Congressman Huizenga’s top priorities in Congress.
In West Michigan, the Great Lakes are directly linked to our way of life. As the Republican co-chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, Congressman Huizenga has been on the forefront of the efforts to enhance the environmental health of the Great Lakes while also ensuring the full economic potential of the Great Lakes region is realized.
The Great Lakes account for approximately 90% of the nation’s fresh surface water, serve as the primary source of drinking water for 48 million people, and create the foundation for $6 trillion in economic in activity here in the United States and Canada.
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) is a bipartisan program that works to protect and strengthen the ecology and the economy of the Great Lakes. Here in Michigan, the GLRI has played a vital role in combating the spread of invasive species, accelerating the cleanup of legacy pollution, limiting harmful algal blooms, and restoring wetlands and habitats.
Here in West Michigan we have seen the success of the GLRI in the restoration of the areas surrounding Lake Macatawa in Ottawa County, the delisting of White Lake as an environmental area of concern in Muskegon County, and the clean up of legacy pollution that has contaminated Muskegon Lake in Muskegon County.
Congressman Huizenga has continued to lead the bipartisan effort to fully fund the GLRI and make the preservation and protection of the Great Lakes a national priority. For a more complete list of restoration, prevention, and rehabilitation projects supported by the GLRI click here.
Invasive Species and Asian Carp
The introduction of non-native species to the Great Lakes is currently one of the greatest economic and environmental threats to the region. In building a better defense for the Great Lakes against new invasive species, we must vigorously employ the most effective tools available, while anticipating improved techniques derived from additional research and application.
Today, we remain particularly vulnerable to the migration of Asian carp, which are a non-indigenous, invasive species that have the potential to severely impact the Great Lakes.
Preventing Asian Carp and other invasive species from infiltrating the Great Lakes ecosystem and devastating our lakes, rivers, and streams is one of Congressman Huizenga’s highest priorities. The threat Asian carp pose to the Great Lakes both ecologically and economically is clear and any threat to the Great Lakes must be met with every tool and tactic we can employ. That is why Congressman Huizenga is working with his Great Lakes colleagues in a bipartisan manner to ensure the preservation of this invaluable ecosystem.
Health Care
Access to affordable health care is out of reach for too many people. Congressman Huizenga believes that Obamacare has failed the American people and our economy. That is why he is working with his colleagues in Congress to enact meaningful legislation that will provide patients’ rights to choose the coverage that best suits their needs.
Congressman Huizenga believes there is a better way to reduce costs and increase access to health care for all Americans. This includes curbing costly junk lawsuits, encouraging the use of health savings accounts, and empowering small business and states to use innovative means to reduce health care costs for you and your family.
Any reforms Congress passes must also include protections for patients with pre-existing conditions. That is why Congressman Huizenga helped introduce the Pre-Existing Conditions Protection Act. This legislation aims to achieve three important goals for patients: guaranteed access to coverage, a prohibition on pre-existing condition benefit exclusions, and a ban on premium rating based on health status.
Safety
Congressman Huizenga understands the need to readily support and supply our military and intelligence officials with the tools that they need to achieve success in keeping the United States secure. As new threats emerge, our armed forces must have the tools they need to respond.
Congressman Huizenga believes the United States needs to strongly support our allies in regions where threats exist or may emerge. We must also continue to support democratic movements in countries where leaders have used the elimination of basic human rights and oppression as a means to govern.
Social Security
Veterans
As the son of a disabled WWII veteran, protecting and providing for America’s veterans is one of Congressman Huizenga’s top priorities. That is why he has voted to expand treatment options for veterans by making it easier for them to see their own doctor; improve educational opportunities for veterans through the Forever GI Bill; hold bureaucrats at the VA accountable, so our veterans receive the care they deserve; make the transition from active duty to civilian life smoother by expanding training opportunities for our men and women in uniform when they come home.
While many improvements have been made, including in the areas of mental health and suicide prevention, more work must be done to help our veterans. Congressman Huizenga strives to ensure that the men and women who have served, are serving, or will serve in the U.S. military are afforded the respect that they deserve and the benefits and services that they have earned. It is because of their selfless sacrifices that the freedoms we enjoy as Americans are possible.
More Information
Services
Source: Government page
Services
Source: Wikipedia
Michigan’s 4th congressional district is a United States congressional district located in the state of Michigan. The current 4th district contains much of Michigan’s old 2nd district, and includes all of Allegan and Van Buren counties, as well as portions of Ottawa, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, and Berrien counties.[5] In 2022, the district was redrawn to start in St. Joseph Township and extend north to Port Sheldon Township. [5] The 4th is currently represented by Republican Bill Huizenga, who previously represented the old 2nd district.
Wikipedia
William Patrick Huizenga (/ˈhaɪzɪŋɡə/ HY-zing-gə; born January 31, 1969) is an American politician serving as a U.S. representative from Michigan since 2011, representing the state’s 4th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, Huizenga served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2003 to 2009.[1] His district, numbered as the 2nd from 2011 to 2023, covers much of Southwestern Michigan, including Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and Holland.
Early life
Born to a family of Dutch Americans, Huizenga is the co-owner and operator of Huizenga Gravel Company, a family business in Jenison, Michigan. In the early 1990s, he worked in real estate. He left real estate in 1996, becoming an aide to U.S. Representative Pete Hoekstra.[citation needed]
Michigan House of Representatives
Starting with his first election in 2002, Huizenga represented the 90th district for three terms, winning reelection in 2004 and 2006. After the 2006 election he was term limited. The district is in Ottawa County and includes Holland, Zeeland, Hudsonville, Blendon Township, Jamestown Township, Holland Township, and Zeeland Township.[citation needed]
Huizenga voted for the initial version of the Michigan Business Tax, but opposed the 2% surcharge and a sales and services tax later in the process.[2]
U.S House of Representatives
Elections
2010
After serving 18 years, Republican incumbent Pete Hoekstra retired to run for the Republican nomination for governor. Huizenga defeated Jay Riemersma, State Senator Wayne Kuipers, businessman Bill Cooper, and three others in the Republican primary election—the real contest in this heavily Republican district—on August 3, 2010.[3] Huizenga defeated Democratic nominee Fred Johnson, 64% to 32%.[4] The district was rated “Solid Republican” by The New York Times.[5] The district and its predecessors have been in Republican hands for all but four years since 1873, and without interruption since 1935.[citation needed]
2012
Huizenga was reelected, defeating Democratic nominee Willie German Jr., Mary Buzuma of the Libertarian Party, Ronald Graeser of the U.S. Taxpayers Party and William Opalicky of the Green Party.[citation needed]
2014
Huizenga was reelected, defeating Democratic nominee Dean Vanderstelt, Ronald Welch of the Libertarian Party and Ronald Graeser of the U.S. Taxpayers Party.[citation needed]
2016
Huizenga was reelected, defeating Democratic nominee Dennis Murphy, Erwin Haas of the Libertarian Party, and Matthew Brady of the Green Party.[6]
2018
Huizenga was reelected, defeating Democratic nominee Rob Davison and Ronald Graeser of the U.S. Taxpayers Party.[citation needed]
2020
Huizenga was reelected, defeating Democratic nominee Bryan Berghoef, Max Riekse of the Libertarian Party, Gerald Van Sickle of the U.S. Taxpayers Party, and Jean-Michel Creviere of the Green Party.[citation needed]
2022
For his first six terms, Huizenga represented much of Lake Michigan‘s eastern shore and many of Grand Rapids‘s suburbs, including Muskegon, Holland, Kentwood, and Grand Haven. However, redistricting after the 2020 census saw the district significantly redrawn. It was renumbered as the 4th district and pushed well to the south. It picked up Kalamazoo and Battle Creek while losing Muskegon, all of its share of Kent County and much of its share of Ottawa County. In the process, the district lost its connection to longtime Congressman Guy Vander Jagt, who represented the district (then numbered as the 9th) from 1967 to 1993.[citation needed]
The reconfigured district included much of the territory of the Kalamazoo-based 6th district, represented by 18-term incumbent and fellow Republican Fred Upton. Upton opted to retire, effectively handing the Republican nomination to Huizenga.[7] The new 4th was no less Republican than the old 2nd, and Huizenga easily won a seventh term.[citation needed]
Tenure
In December 2020, Huizenga was one of 126 Republican members of the House of Representatives to sign an amicus brief in support of Texas v. Pennsylvania, a lawsuit filed at the United States Supreme Court contesting the results of the 2020 presidential election, in which Joe Biden defeated[8] incumbent Donald Trump. The Supreme Court declined to hear the case on the basis that Texas lacked standing under Article III of the Constitution to challenge the results of an election held by another state.[9][10][11]
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a statement that called signing the amicus brief an act of “election subversion.” She also reprimanded Huizenga and the other House members who supported the lawsuit: “The 126 Republican Members that signed onto this lawsuit brought dishonor to the House. Instead of upholding their oath to support and defend the Constitution, they chose to subvert the Constitution and undermine public trust in our sacred democratic institutions.”[12][13]
As of January 2022, Huizenga has voted with President Biden’s stated position roughly 14% of the time.[14]
Committee assignments
Caucus memberships
- Republican Study Committee[15]
- Congressional Constitution Caucus[16]
- Republican Main Street Partnership[17]
- Congressional Coalition on Adoption[18]
- Congressional Blockchain Caucus[19]
Political positions
Huizenga voted against the Respect for Marriage Act codifying Loving v. Virginia and Obergefell v. Hodges, recognizing marriages across state lines regardless of “sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin of those individuals.”[20]
On healthcare, he describes himself as an opponent of Obamacare.
He opposes abortion and is a member of the Congressional Pro-Life caucus. He has voted to prevent federal tax money from being used for the procurement of abortions.
Personal life
Huizenga and his wife have five children and live in Holland. He attends Haven Christian Reformed Church in Zeeland.[21]
References
- ^ “Representative William Patrick Huizenga (Bill) (R-Michigan, 2nd) – Biography from LegiStorm”.
- ^ Jim Harger, Jay Riemersma criticizes Bill Huizenga’s 2007 Vote, Grand Rapids Press, October 12, 2009.
- ^ Roelofs, Ted. “Bill Huizenga edges out former NFL player Jay Riemersma by less than 700 in race for Congress”, The Grand Rapids Press, August 4, 2010.
- ^ “Huizenga joins red tide – Holland, MI – the Holland Sentinel”. Archived from the original on 2011-06-14. Retrieved 2010-11-20.
- ^ Michigan 2nd District Race Profile Archived August 3, 2010, at the Wayback Machine New York Times. August 23, 2010.
- ^ “Michigan”. Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2022-10-21.
- ^ Nann Burke, Melissa; LeBlanc, Beth (April 5, 2022). “‘This is it for me’: Upton plans to retire from U.S. House, won’t face Huizenga in primary”. The Detroit News. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ Blood, Michael R.; Riccardi, Nicholas (December 5, 2020). “Biden officially secures enough electors to become president”. AP News. Archived from the original on December 8, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
- ^ Liptak, Adam (2020-12-11). “Supreme Court Rejects Texas Suit Seeking to Subvert Election”. The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved 2020-12-12.
- ^ “Order in Pending Case” (PDF). Supreme Court of the United States. 2020-12-11. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
- ^ Diaz, Daniella. “Brief from 126 Republicans supporting Texas lawsuit in Supreme Court”. CNN. Archived from the original on December 12, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
- ^ Smith, David (2020-12-12). “Supreme court rejects Trump-backed Texas lawsuit aiming to overturn election results”. The Guardian. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
- ^ “Pelosi Statement on Supreme Court Rejecting GOP Election Sabotage Lawsuit” (Press release). Speaker Nancy Pelosi. December 11, 2020. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
- ^ Bycoffe, Aaron; Wiederkehr, Anna (22 April 2021). “Does Your Member Of Congress Vote With Or Against Biden?”. FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
- ^ “Member List”. Republican Study Committee. Archived from the original on 1 January 2019. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
- ^ “Members”. Congressional Constitution Caucus. Archived from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 8 May 2018.
- ^ “MEMBERS”. RMSP. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
- ^ “Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute”.
- ^ “Members”. Congressional Blockchain Caucus. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ Bobic, Igor (July 19, 2022). “These 157 House Republicans Voted Against Protections For Same-Sex Marriage”. Huffington Post. Retrieved 2022-07-20.
- ^ Bill Huizenga: ‘A good Christian Reformed Dutchman, and a little Irish’
External links
- Congressman Bill Huizenga official U.S. House website
- Campaign website
- Appearances on C-SPAN
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
- Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
- Profile at Vote Smart
- Bill Huizenga at MichiganVotes.org
- Articles
- Jay Riemersma criticizes Bill Huizenga’s 2007 Vote, Jim Harger, Grand Rapids Press, October 12, 2009
- No Worker Left Behind After Three Years: Successes and Challenges, Andrew S. Levin, Michigan.gov, June 29, 2010
Retirement and Social Security
Social Security is not sustainable without significant reform. Future benefits cannot be paid under current taxation levels. There are a limited number of options for addressing this actuarial time bomb. We can increase the retirement age, raise tax rates, or increase the cap on earnings subject to taxes. The sooner that adjustments are made, the smaller the adjustments need to be. Keep in mind that younger workers already don’t believe Social Security will provide for them.
The government has to honor its promises to protect retirees and those nearing retirement age. A long-term fix to Social Security should include the option of a personal retirement account that younger workers can count on as their own individual asset. Congressman Huizenga supports making Social Security workable for all generations.