Bill Huizenga

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 420. Stated against:

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chad Reenders, a fourth-generation blueberry grower from West Michigan and this year's recipient of the Michigan Blueberry Advisory Committee Industry Award. Michigan's high-quality produce drives our economy, feeds families across the Nation, and is both widely respected and recognized around the globe. It is because of leaders like Chad Reenders that this reputation is gained, kept, and enhanced. Chad is a premier advocate for his fellow blueberry growers across Michigan and has tirelessly fought to improve their standing, whether it be in the field, in the media, or in Washington, D.C., educating elected officials on the needs and importance of the industry. As President of the Michigan Blueberry Advisory Committee, Chad continues to make impactful changes for growers and is recognized across our state for his passion, drive, and commitment. The Michigan Blueberry Industry is stronger through Chad's leadership. I thank him for his continued efforts to make Michigan the best place in the country to grow. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Chad Reenders for his recognition as the recipient of the 2024 Michigan Blueberry Advisory Committee Award.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Chairman, to my colleagues, here is the problem: It is not a sweetheart deal for three counties. It is common sense. We are penalizing the receivers of the pollution, not the producers of the pollution. This is the problem with the EPA. This is the problem with the Federal Government implementing it this way. It is partial counties. Mr. Chairman, how in the heck is the air supposed to figure out which side of part of the county it is on, or, in the case of my hometown of Holland, which side of the county line it is on? Mr. Chairman, in Allegan County, the ozone attainment measuring unit was in the playground of a school along the lakeshore. That school has now been closed. In between the measuring unit and the lakeshore, there was not a single industrial producer of any kind of ozone or pollution. Mr. Chairman, we are measuring fantasy. We are not measuring reality. Once again, here we have the Federal Government going after the victims rather than the perpetrators, and that has been my point to my colleague across the aisle and everyone else who will listen. Let's go after the polluters, not those who are receiving the pollution. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my bipartisan amendment to prohibit implementation of the EPA rule that inappropriately reclassified three west Michigan counties, Berrien County, parts of Allegan County, and parts of Muskegon County, from ``marginal'' to ``moderate'' under the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards. However, it is a long-established fact that transport pollution from upwind States is a primary driver of the reduced air quality in west Michigan. In fact, Mr. Chairman, I was a young staffer in 1997 when I became the district director for my predecessor when I was first introduced to this concept. We will get into some of those same issues that we are seeing today. Even the State of Michigan officially acknowledges this fact: Ozone transport is the major driver of why these counties in Michigan get penalized by the EPA's standards. While the EPA's rule explicitly does not consider ozone transport, science will tell you that ozone pollutants are being carried to us on winds across Lake Michigan from cities like Gary, Indiana; Chicago, Illinois; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The new ``moderate'' classification carries with it the so-called reasonably available control technology requirements as well as other burdensome regulatory requirements, offset ratios, and emissions reductions meant to bring the Michigan counties back into attainment of the air standards, not the counties that are actually doing the polluting. This will cost businesses in my district millions and millions of dollars, despite their many efforts over the years to do the right thing for the environment. It will cost jobs for our residents who have nothing to do with this, they haven't produced it, but it is going to cost the tax base of our local governments who love and work to protect our Great Lakes. My Michigan colleagues and I have worked oftentimes in a bipartisan way to rectify this issue, whether it be with the EPA or with the State of Michigan. In short, we are told that their hands are tied. Well, that is what the legislative branch is for, and we are using our legislative authority, the power of the purse, to protect our constituents from the unfair government burden that does not account for the full reality and science of the situation. Communities along the lakeshore of west Michigan should not be penalized for the pollution created by cities 90 miles away on the other side of Lake Michigan. Here is how crazy this plan is, Mr. Chair. My hometown of Holland, Michigan, sits on a county border, Ottawa County to the north, Allegan County to the south. It is divided by 32nd Street. If you are a business on the south side of 32nd Street in Allegan County, then you are subject to the penalties. However, if you are a company directly across the street in Ottawa County, then you are exempt. This makes no sense. Ultimately, my understanding is that the State of Michigan then could be responsible for the end implementation of these emission reductions. Therefore, the practical effect of my amendment would be to make it so that Michigan can decide whether to enforce the ozone standards of the new moderate levels or the previous marginal levels. Mr. Chairman, I am one of the Republican co-chairs of the Great Lakes Task Force. I am a member of the Conservative Climate Caucus. My constituents and I want nothing more than clean air and water in our Michigan communities, but we demand common sense, as well. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Tiara Yachts for 50 years of operation in West Michigan. Founded in 1974 by Mr. Leon Slikkers, this locally owned and operated boat manufacturer has remained committed to manufacturing the highest quality watercraft. As a multi-generational, family-owned and operated business, the story of Tiara Yachts is a true representation of the American Dream. Mr. Slikkers began building boats in 1946 and founded his own boat company, Slickcraft, shortly after. He then sold this company to launch S2 Yachts, later known as Tiara Yachts, with his sons David and Robert. Together, they worked to revolutionize the marine industry, introducing the Tiara Powerboat in 1976. With the next generation now at the helm, Tiara Yachts has stayed true to the vision Mr. Slikkers first established: designing and delivering a legacy of quality, innovation, and unrivaled customer experiences that withstand the test of time and continue to evolve with their customers' desires. It is evident that this family organization remains committed to producing the highest quality, American-made boats that provide a lifetime of joy and entertainment on the water. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Tiara Yachts as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary. I wish them all the best as they continue their legacy of success.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Chair, I say to my friend from California that I appreciate his work and this overall bill. I know there are a lot of challenges that confront any of those decisions that the appropriators have, but I find that it is necessary that I offer my amendment to call attention to a problem and an issue and to hopefully gain some time to solve that problem. My amendment, Mr. Chair, is rather simple. It eliminates funding for the Congressional Office for International Leadership, also known as COIL. Our national debt is $34 trillion. I have been working on that in a bipartisan manner, trying to attempt to bring that down and find solutions. Yet, we all know, and our constituents know, that whether it is at the grocery store or gas at the pump, American families are feeling the full impact of inflation. In the midst of this spending and affordability crisis, the American people may not be realizing that Congress is funding an office called COIL, which has been inappropriately used to host social justice themed adventures for foreign delegations on the U.S. taxpayer dime. This is the U.S. taxpayer funding trips of foreigners to come into the United States to ostensibly learn about our system. After uncovering this office's priorities earlier this year, we did a little more digging only to find at least 13 other trips occurred in 2023 and 2024 with themes involving social advocacy, or diversity, equity, and inclusion programming exclusively. For example, in March 2023, a COIL trip came to my district without any notification or the courtesy of letting me know there was a foreign delegation coming. This foreign delegation was treated to a trip filled with social justice and DEI messaging under the guise of ``civic advocacy.'' Stops also along the way included an evening at ``queer theater,'' a visit to a ``Pride center and trans foundation,'' and many more. Other trips in 2023 and 2024 included a visit to Detroit under the theme of inclusivity and tolerance and a trip to Sacramento, California, to engage in gender-related activism. American taxpayers should not be funding this, Mr. Chair, and footing the bill for these visits. We have disagreements about whether those things are important or not or whether they should be highlighted or not. The question here is whether the taxpayer, the U.S. taxpayer, should be paying for a trip for foreigners to come to our country to learn about these things. I kind of wonder about my friends on the other side of the aisle because many believe that the shoe is going to be on the other foot after this November, so they might be offering the exact same amendment if this COIL was directed to do only things that dealt with fossil fuel organizations, maybe weapons manufacturers, or maybe only for pro-life advocacy groups. My guess is they would have a very different view of this program. What is more, Members of Congress are shielded from conducting any oversight on these funds. Consider the process: COIL puts together a calendar of themes each year, and COIL then grants funds under the themes selected to national and community organizations. That organization will then make a subgrant at the local level to an NGO to fully implement the trip programming at their complete discretion. In other words, COIL doesn't even have any input on this. COIL has zero say in the programming because the funds are shielded through what are essentially passthrough entities. What are the results? Unelected bureaucrats are using the American people's money to push an agenda that fits their interests, and COIL walks away with their hands clean. Again, this is all at the American taxpayers' expense. While COIL has been flatlined at $6 million in funding for a number of years now, the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2025 actually provides a 10 percent increase in that funding. This is an additional $600,000 in taxpayer dollars going toward who knows what. I know there are positive programs, very neutral programs, consensus- building programs, whether they be regarding and surrounding veterans' groups, protecting children, or those with disabilities. Those are not the controversial parts. Again, I still ask whether our U.S. taxpayer dollars should be funding that rather than an NGO or some other funding, but we have to weed this out and make sure that this is acceptable programming-wise to all American taxpayers. Mr. Chairman, this is a commonsense step to rein in out-of-control spending by bureaucrats in Washington and a 1-year pause provides a much-needed opportunity to reevaluate.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Chair, I missed a vote today. Had I been present, I would have voted AYE on Roll Call No. 328. Amendment No. 171 Offered by Ms. Titus

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Continental Linen Service (CLS) on its 125th Anniversary. Founded in 1899, CLS originally operated as Kalamazoo Laundry Company before Ted Vander Meer purchased the company in 1966 and changed the name to what we know today. This fourth-generation family-owned business now employs over 200 team members covering six locations across Michigan. Today, CLS serves over 7,000 customers spanning food service, hospitality, medical, and industrial accounts across the state. In 2023 alone, they processed over 24 million pounds of uniforms, linen, and other materials. Recently, they completed a $7 million, 11,000 square foot expansion to their processing facility to improve their capacity for growth. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking the team at Continental Linen Service for their commitment to the community and years of dedicated service to Michigan. I wish them all the best as they continue to grow in Kalamazoo County and beyond.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Chair, last Congress, as a member of the Digital Assets Working Group, we established clear principles on how any proposed CBDC proposal should be evaluated. First, the U.S. dollar must remain the world's reserve currency, and our payment systems must continue to be the envy of the world. American taxpayers should benefit, not be disadvantaged, by any legislation that Congress enacts. Second, the private sector must lead the way. Digital asset policies must promote private-sector innovation and foster competition. That is what the bill was about yesterday, Mr. Chair. Further, we must maintain privacy and security protections consistent with other currency transactions utilized today. That is in danger, based on what the Fed is proposing. Lastly, it should come as no surprise that many Americans view a Fed- developed central bank digital currency with great skepticism, and I include myself in that category. Congress has not granted the Fed this authority, nor should it.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Chair, since the first cryptocurrency network was created nearly 15 years ago, the rules governing the digital asset ecosystem have remained unclear. As I learned while serving as chairman of the Capital Markets Subcommittee, regulators have been using opaque guidelines and regulation by enforcement. Meanwhile, Congress has been working on a bipartisan path forward. Digital assets have the potential to revolutionize payment systems in the United States by allowing financial systems to become more efficient and more accessible to consumers. By passing a comprehensive market structure framework, responsible actors will now have greater certainty and consumers will have greater protection from bad actors. Mr. Chair, our markets are the envy of the world. We must not cede any ground. American innovation is a critical element of job creation and economic opportunity here in the United States. Congress must look to preserve this competitive advantage and not let it leave our shores. FIT21 is a historic first step. Mr. Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, yesterday, in our House Financial Services Committee, we had a big day. It was, frankly, a sad and tragic day because it was a day to explore what had happened at the FDIC, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. There was an independent report, the Cleary Gottlieb report, as it is known, which had heard from 541 individual whistleblowers who were outlining the hostile work environment that exists at the FDIC. Sexual harassment, racial discrimination, general temper tantrums, and bad behavior abound. Some say that this has been happening for a long time. That is true, but there is one person, one man, who has been in charge of the FDIC for 10 of the last 13 years. He is now on his third tour of becoming the Chair, and these complaints stretch back to each time that he has been chairman. In fact, the other two intervening chairs, Sheila Bair from President Obama and Jelena McWilliams from President Trump, have spent their time cleaning up the mess that Martin Gruenberg has created at the FDIC. The bottom line is, Madam Speaker, if you created the environment, you can't fix the environment, and you are not the right person for the job. If you say everyone will be held to a higher standard from now on, yet will not hold yourself to that same standard, you are not the right person for the job. Madam Speaker, the time has arrived for the FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg to resign or be fired.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, President Biden's immigration policies continue to wreak havoc on our borders. According to the Department of Homeland Security, over 9 million individuals have illegally entered the United States over the last 3 years. That alone is unacceptable, but just this week, it was revealed that there have been more individuals who have evaded Border Patrol and illegally crossed into the United States since President Biden took office than in the previous decade combined under Presidents Obama and Trump. Madam Speaker, it is clear that President Biden's open-border policies are the problem. The Biden administration must implement the border reforms that I voted for and the House passed, which include restarting construction on the border wall, ending catch and release, and making sure our men and women serving on the border have the manpower and resources they need to secure our border. Border security is national security, and I will continue to fight for border security and make west Michigan a safer place. Abuses Documented at FDIC

Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the men and women serving as first responders in our communities across southwest Michigan. These brave individuals put on their uniforms every morning with no guarantee that they will make it back home. We must remember there is no such thing as a routine traffic stop these days. The tragic reality is that our police and law enforcement officers are being targeted and killed at an alarming rate. Yesterday, here at the Capitol and in Michigan, we honored those who have fallen in the line of duty while serving our communities, including Berrien County Deputy Sheriff Elton C. Stover, Officer Scot A. Beyerstedt with the Mattawan Police Department, and, more recently, Ryan Joseph Proxmire with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office. Over the last several years, increased support for the defund the police movement and antipolice legislation has led to a complete lack of appreciation for the work officers do every day. I support these men and women serving our communities, as do the vast majority of us here in Congress, and I thank them for their efforts to make southwest Michigan a safer place and an even better place to call home. President Biden's Immigration Policies Wreaking Havoc

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and sacrifice of Berrien County Sheriff Deputy Elton C. Stover. Deputy Stover was born November 21, 1910, in Berrien County and pursued a career in law enforcement, serving in the Berrien Springs Police Department, Comstock Police Department, and served as the Constable of Lincoln Township. On December 3, 1965, armed gunmen targeted the Farmers & Merchants National Bank in Benton Township. Berrien County Sheriff Deputies Elton Stover and Gary Mitchell responded to the call for help. Upon arrival to the scene, Deputies Stover and Mitchell were immediately met with an array of gunfire with both men being struck. As Deputy Stover laid on the bank floor he was hit with two bullets, smashing through his chest and right leg. He and Deputy Mitchell were rushed to Mercy Hospital in Benton Harbor, where he underwent what was thought to be a successful surgery. Unfortunately, Deputy Stover's condition deteriorated, and he passed away during surgery at 2.55 p.m. on December 10, 1965, making the ultimate sacrifice in service to the people of Berrien County. To this day, Deputy Elton C. Stover remains the only Deputy in the history of the Benton County Sheriff's Department to be killed in the line of duty. Mr. Speaker, each day, law enforcement officials like Deputy Stover help to keep our communities safe, rush into dangerous situations, and lay down their lives to protect their fellow citizens. It is my solemn honor to remember Deputy Elton Stover and all fallen law enforcement officers from Michigan's 4th Congressional District, the state, and throughout the country.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize economic development organizations across Michigan and our Nation by celebrating Economic Development Week. Every May, we acknowledge the dedication of economic developers to job creation, financial health, and making our communities an even better place to call home. The work done by these economic developers creates new opportunities and lasting impacts on townships, cities, and counties across southwest Michigan. Organizations like Lakeshore Advantage, Cornerstone Alliance, Southwest Michigan First, Market Van Buren, and Battle Creek Unlimited are the standard for economic development in Michigan, thanks to their strong leadership. As a small business owner myself, I understand the importance of creating a forward-looking plan that advances your community's goals and well-being. Mr. Speaker, please join me by celebrating Economic Development Week as we recognize the important contributions of these organizations and individuals striving to make our communities a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office for its recognition as an accredited agency by the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. This achievement acknowledges the commitment to professionalism and excellence in law enforcement that has been demonstrated by the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office. The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office was founded in 1830 and provides services to over 250,000 residents in the area. Under the leadership of Sheriff Richard Fuller, who has been serving Kalamazoo County as sheriff for more than 15 years, the Sheriff's Office has been recognized as the ``gold standard'' for law enforcement agencies. In February of 2024, the Sheriff's Office underwent a lengthy board review to approve their eligibility for formal accreditation following a process that took two years to complete. Through this process, the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission board confirmed that the Sheriff's Office met over 500 standards, covering an array of protocols from the hiring process to policing standards to the conduction of investigations. I would like to thank the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office for their continued dedication to protecting and serving the residents of Kalamazoo County. As only the second Michigan's sheriff's office to achieve this accreditation, this accomplishment is commendable. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office on their accreditation.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Battle Creek Air National Guard's efforts to better support military families and their children in southwest Michigan. One of the unique challenges military families face is where to get childcare, especially during weekend drills. With this in mind, the 110th Wing's efforts to support families led to the establishment of the second Air National Guard Childcare Facility program. Partnering with the Augusta Child Development Center, the program provides childcare for over 20 children of military members during regular and rescheduled drills. Since the start of the program, the base has seen an increase in productivity and positivity that has allowed them to strengthen their mission readiness, retention, and talent management. It is wonderful to see the 110th Wing develop and lead this innovative approach to improve the lives of military families not only in southwest Michigan, but across the Nation. As the Month of the Military Child comes to a close, I thank all of our servicemembers and applaud the Michigan Air National Guard's leadership and commitment to supporting their military families.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 142.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, in a time where there is conflict and war throughout the world, it is also good to remember those things that bring a smile to our face, whether it is people, traditions, or places. Today's tribute is one of those in my life. It is the 100th anniversary of Frank's Restaurant, which is an absolute icon in my hometown of Zeeland, Michigan. It was started by a man named Frank Dionise just 100 years ago and was family owned. The Dionises and the Hammers had owned it until just recently. It is the kind of place that every Zeelander has memories in and around. It is the kind of place where every true Zeelander knows what their go-to order is; mine happens to be the olive burger with onion rings. I thank Teresa Vander Zwaag and the families that have taken that over and made sure that this institution is continuing while it celebrates 100 years in the great town of Zeeland, Michigan.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.