Bill Huizenga

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the first 100 years of the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post 28 in Grand Haven, Michigan. But before I talk more extensively about Post 28, I do want to acknowledge this past week that very auspicious ceremony and anniversary that was recognized--D-Day. I joined the bipartisan group, led by the Speaker of the House and the minority leader, to the beaches of Normandy. To talk with those family members, those veterans who served there on those beaches was an incredibly moving thing, especially for me, the son of a disabled World War II veteran who nearly perished in a B-24 crash in southern Italy, and to just recognize and remember the sacrifices that not only those men that stormed the beaches, but their families, endured in the years after that. I want to just highlight some of the connections that we have had in west Michigan to those efforts. Whether it was the city of Grand Haven, which is where Post 28 lies, which, upon the sinking of a merchant marine ship, the Coast Guard cutter Escanaba, raised public funds locally to literally build another Escanaba ship, one that has continued that very special tie with Grand Haven and with those members of VFW Post 28; the Silversides, a submarine that saw action in the South Pacific; the LST that resides in Muskegon, that took 31 trips back and forth during that D-Day invasion over those days, that history that we have is rich. And the history that Post 28 has is a history that comes out of World War I, something that we had just celebrated the armistice of last November, the 100-year anniversary. My namesake, Bill Huizenga, had the privilege of fighting in that conflict and in that war as well. I have, in my mind, this connection that all of those men at that time over 100 years ago, that they were coming together as a community, and they were going off to fight for their country. And for 100 years now, this particular American Legion Post 28 had selflessly, admirably, and honorably served the Grand Haven community with a special focus on veterans and their families. On June 12, 1919, how this came about was 35 local veterans returning from this Great War gathered at the Grand Haven Armory and signed a petition to become chartered as the Grand Haven American Legion Post 28. They chose as their namesake, Charles A. Conklin, who was Grand Haven's first fallen soldier of that war to end all wars. Well, shortly after graduating high school, Charles joined the National Guard as a machine gunner and was part of the prestigious 42nd ``Rainbow'' Division. After ferocious fighting on the front line, Charles was wounded in combat and died on May 7, 1918. He now rests in peace at Grand Haven's Lake Forest Cemetery, where his courageous spirit continues to inspire local veterans and all of our citizens to carry on his legacy of duty, service, and valor. After witnessing the positive impacts across west Michigan, more veterans and their families wanted to join Post 28. The Post 28 family first expanded April 9, 1920, when the Women's Auxiliary Unit 28 organized and was chartered; and then, for over a century, as they continued to grow, the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 28 was chartered in 1937 and again in 1990. Finally, the American Legion Squadron 28 was organized in 2007, completing the Post 28 family. The American Legion Post 28's steadfast commitment to serving veterans, their families, and the Grand Haven community shines in every act of service that they perform. The long list of charitable and educational programs, including the annual Poppy Sale, the Boys State and Girls State programs that they support, the Good Fellows Committee for volunteerism, the food drives, and their famous Salmon Dinner Night at Grand Haven's annual Salmon Festival--not to mention the thousands of diners that they serve at the post's home on Harbor Drive in Grand Haven--really has underscored their commitment to the community. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Second District of Michigan, we thank the members of the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post 28 in Grand Haven for their service to our community over the past century, and I look forward to working with them in the years to come.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, I rise today regarding missed votes due to my daughter's graduation from High School. Had I been present for roll call vote number 218, on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended H.R. 1952, the Intercountry Adoption Information Act, I would have voted ``yea.'' Had I been present for roll call vote number 219, on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and agree on H. Res. 106, Denouncing female genital mutilation/cutting as a violation of the human rights of women and girls and urging the international community and the Federal Government to increase efforts to eliminate the harmful practice, I would have voted ``yea.'' Had I been present for roll call vote number 220, On Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 389, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1500) Consumers First Act, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1994) Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act, and providing for proceedings during the period from May 24, 2019, through May 31, 2019, and for other purposes, I would have voted ``yea.'' Had I been present for roll call vote number 221, On Agreeing to the Resolution on H. Res. 389, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1500) Consumers First Act, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1994) Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act, and providing for proceedings during the period from May 24, 2019, through May 31, 2019, and for other purposes, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, I rise today regarding missed votes. Had I been present for roll call vote number 201, on Motion to Recommit with Instructions of H.R. 2157, Making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019, and for other purposes, I would have voted ``yea.'' Had I been present for roll call vote number 202, on Passage of H.R. 2157, Making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019, and for other purposes, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a man who has honorably served our Nation with integrity, distinction, and humility. After more than 30 years of service to our great Nation, Command Master Chief Russell Mason, whom I am honored to call both a constituent and a friend, is retiring from the United States Navy. Having enlisted in the Navy in 1984, Master Chief Mason has been stationed everywhere from Pearl Harbor to Washington, D.C., and his tours have brought him all around the world. He has served on multiple ships, including as chief of the boat, and has completed several tours as command master chief. In 2017, Master Chief Mason assumed duties as the command master chief for the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command 5th Fleet. As a man of strong faith, he has earned the respect and admiration of many and has forever left a legacy of servant leadership and devotion. Master Chief, God bless you. Our Nation is forever indebted to you and your wife, Charlotte. And Russ, thank you for your years of dedication and service to our country, the United States. You have completed your mission admirably, and I have no doubt that you will soon be enjoying retirement with us back in west Michigan.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Democrat leadership to immediately schedule this very important bill and to sign the discharge petition as well.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to give an in-depth explanation for my vote on H.R. 1585, legislation to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, and to speak out against the partisan process in which the Majority crafted this bill. Prior to the vote on H.R. 1585, I have made clear that I support the reauthorization of The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). I am frustrated by the fact that instead of putting forward a clean reauthorization of this vital legislation, the Democrat Majority allowed the provision to expire at the end of the last Congress for political purposes. Protecting women from abuse is an issue so important that partisanship shouldn't even be in the same sentence, yet the Majority chose to use this opportunity to push VAWA as a partisan political device instead of a bipartisan opportunity to help women in need. H.R. 1585 will not be passed by the Senate in its current form and I remain committed to seeing that VAWA is reauthorized in a manner that protects women, makes needed reforms, and adheres to the Constitution. West Michigan is blessed to have countless faith-based organizations that work in the community to provide assistance to women during their time of need, and H.R. 1585 fails to provide protections for these faith-based grant recipients or provide for religious hiring exemptions. These organizations serve a vital part in both protecting women and providing support throughout the recovery process. Instead of protecting women, this legislation could in fact potentially put more women in harm's way and is an affront to the privacy and safety of women. The legislation permits biological males to be housed in women's prison facilities. Forcing women who have suffered abuse to live and sleep in the same facility as biological males is the opposite of protecting women against violence. I also have concerns that VAWA grants have been used to fund Planned Parenthood. In fact, according to a 2018 GAO report, Planned Parenthood received approximately $300,000 from VAWA formula grands during 2013- 2015. There is no specific language in 1585 that would prohibit this from happening in the future. Finally, I have significant constitutional concerns with section 903 of the legislation which weakens the due process of individuals in tribal courts on Indian reservations. Crimes committed on reservations should be addressed without eliminating the Bill of Rights and preventing federal review in cases where tribal capacity to adequately prosecute crimes is a problem. The reauthorization of VAWA should be done in a manner that puts people, not politics first. Going forward, I hope to be able to vote for a truly bipartisan reauthorization of this important legislation.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, I rise today regarding missed votes. Had I been present for roll call vote number 76, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 1065, the Social Media Use in Media Clearance Investigations Act, I would have voted ``yay.'' Had I been present for roll call vote number 77, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 1079, the Creating Advanced Streamlined Electronic Services for Constituents Act, I would have voted ``yay.''

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Andrew J. Mulder and his decades of commendable service to the community in Holland, Michigan. Two years after the start of his career in October of 1976 as the Deputy City Attorney for the City of Holland, Andrew extended his responsibilities in his capacity as an advisor to the Holland City Council. In 1987, after over a decade of proven service, Andrew was promoted to City Attorney. Andrew served in this capacity until deciding to focus the last five years of his career on legal work surrounding the new electricity generation plant of the Holland Board of Public Works. Throughout his career, Andrew's heart for public service and the rule of law led him to serve on multiple boards for various legal organizations and associations. Andrew served on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Municipal Attorneys Association from 1995 to 2011, and was the President of the Association from 2007 to 2009. From 1995 to 2011, Andrew served on the Legal Defense Fund of the Michigan Municipal League, and from 2012 to 2019, Andrew served in the Academy of Municipal Attorneys. Andrew's long list of accomplishments include the execution of legal portions of major projects like the Holland Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion, negotiating water contracts between the City of Holland and adjoining Townships, for the development of a new police department and courthouse in Holland, for the construction of a new Civic Center and associated farmer's market expansion, for the renovation of Holland's City Hall, the implementation of Holland's renowned Snowmelt system, construction of the City Transportation Center, legal considerations for the State Boundary Commission Annexation and Detachment Project, legal work for the Kollen Park Improvement Project, and for Holland's Energy Park. Additionally, Andrew diligently litigated a number of cases on behalf of the City of Holland before Michigan's Supreme Court. These cases included Meadowlands v. City of Holland, Adams Outdoor Advertising v. City of Holland, Fillmore Township v. City of Holland, and City of Holland v. Consumers Energy. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Second Congressional District of Michigan, we thank Andrew J. Mulder for his more than 40 years of distinguished service to the residents of Holland, and to our great nation.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, it is an honor today to represent hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children who will be marching this week in Washington, D.C., and around the country through the cold, through the wet, and, frankly, through the ridicule. We don't march for the recognition or for the headlines. We march on behalf of the millions of children who have had their opportunity to make an impact on this world stolen from them. We don't march because it is merely a political statement. We march because it is right. We march for life. We must continue to prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to end the lives of innocent children here in the United States and around the globe. When an organization prioritizes abortion over adoption and creating a culture of life, we must question why our government funds them at all. Now more than ever, Madam Speaker, we are called to speak up for those who cannot for themselves. We must all stand firm to defend the sanctity of life, for the challenge is great and the cause is noble. Together, we will march in solidarity for those who have never had the opportunity to walk on their own, and, in coming days, our voices will be heard louder than ever.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, I rise today regarding missed votes due to a funeral. Had I been present for roll call vote number 30, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 116, the Investing in Main Street Act, I would have voted yea. Had I been present for roll call vote number 31, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.J. Res. 27, Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2019, and for other purposes, I would have voted nay. Had I been present for roll call vote number 32, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H. Res. 41, Rejecting White nationalism and White supremacy, I would have voted yea. Had I been present for roll call vote number 33, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 135, Federal Employee Antidiscrimination Act, I would have voted yea.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I just want to note that we are having our second Senate bill from Louisiana, so we are covering our colleagues from down in Louisiana. I just want to encourage my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this critical bill has broad and extensive bipartisan support, and I urge all Members to support this legislation. A few years ago, we had gone in and done a technical fix regarding small businesses, and this Rural Business Investment Company, or the RBIC, deals with language that will allow the advisers to go in and deal with rural businesses--not just small business, but these rural businesses. We think that this is an important step to helping rural America continue the economic recovery that they have seen over the last year or two. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include any extraneous material on this bill.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 2765) to amend the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to exempt investment advisers who solely advise certain rural business investment companies, and for other purposes.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I will note to my colleagues that as a Detroit Lions fan, I, too, don't have a football team, but I am proud to stand on the floor today and note that this is an important time to address these things. We all, as a nation, are thankful for the work of Mr. Gleason in this important issue, and I do urge support from all of my colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to reserve, but I would like to note to my friend from Louisiana, as a Lions fan, it is much easier to be supportive of a Saints player than if this guy had actually been a Green Bay Packer. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this important bill has wide bipartisan support, and I urge all Members to support this legislation. Mr. Gleason who was a former player with the New Orleans Saints, has done significant work in the area of ALS--in ALS education and advocacy and its damaging effects. I, like many people in this Chamber and many people across the country, have been touched by this personally, with friends or family members, and we know the ravages that occur with this horrible disease, ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this important legislation, the Stephen Michael Gleason Congressional Gold Medal Act, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include any extraneous material on this bill.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 2652) to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Stephen Michael Gleason.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Van Koevering family and their many contributions to the West Michigan Community through their newspaper and print shop, The Zeeland Record. As a well-known and highly-regarded West Michigan business, The Zeeland Record has earned the respect of the greater Ottawa County community through dedication to quality and service for over 125 years. The Zeeland Record was started in 1893 by Adrian Van Koevering as a newspaper and print shop, and through the lifetime of the company, has expanded to include a full digital printing operation with the addition of ZR Graphics. When the newspaper and print shop was founded near the end of the 19th century, there was no local printing business. Recognizing the lack of regular circulation for news periodicals, and at the advice and counsel of his mother's uncle, Adrian Van Koevering started his own commercial printing company. He was able to obtain a loan from this same relative, Jacob Den Herder, to buy his own printing equipment, and within a few months, Adrian was hard at work in a business that would span generations of the Van Koevering family. Today, the company is in its fourth generation of family ownership and is led by brothers Kurt and Kraig Van Koevering who continue the Zeeland Record's legacy in West Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Second Congressional District of Michigan, we thank and honor the contributions of the Van Koevering family to West Michigan communities and families.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today regarding a missed vote. Had I been present for roll call vote number 417, H.R. 2615--the Gulf Islands National Seashore Land Exchange Act, I would have voted yay.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Arlan Meekhof and his admirable career in public service to the West Michigan Community. A lifelong resident of West Michigan, Arlan has earned the admiration of his colleagues and the respect of Ottawa County residents by consistently acting with decency and integrity. An accomplished legislator, Senator Meekhof has cemented a legacy of public service and servant leadership throughout the state of Michigan. First elected to the Olive Township Board of Trustees in 1996, Senator Meekhof has continued to serve the people of West Michigan for over two decades. In 2007, he began his first term in the Michigan House of Representatives and was elected assistant leader by his colleagues in January 2009. In November of 2010 he was elected to the State Senate in the 30th State Senate District, representing Ottawa County and the City of Grandville and Sparta Township in Kent County. Following his 2014 reelection to the State Senate, he was unanimously elected to be Senate Majority leader--displaying the respect Senator Meekhof has cultivated during his career. In his eight years serving in the Michigan Senate, he has been a commendable leader that ensured on-time and balanced budgets. His leadership contributed and played a key role to the elimination of a billion dollar state deficit. During his time in both the House and Senate, he promoted efficient and effective government reforms that played a significant role in transforming Michigan into a destination for families, businesses and the next generation of leaders. Today, October 16, 2018, we honor and recognize Senator Arlan Meekhof for his two-decades long career. The efforts and success of Senator Arlan Meekhof in service to his community should be celebrated. I thank him for a lifetime of hard work and service.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, it was with a heavy heart yesterday that we learned of the passing of Richard M. DeVos, Sr. Rich, along with his wife, Helen, who passed away in October of 2017, dedicated their lives to transforming west Michigan and making our community an even greater place to call home. Frankly, it is hard to imagine what west Michigan would look like without Richard DeVos and his leadership. Through his philanthropic activities, Rich led by example. He put a premium on supporting educational institutions across west Michigan, such as Grand Rapids Christian High School, Calvin College, and Grand Valley State University. He was equally passionate about west Michigan residents having access to high-quality, specialized medical care. He also worked to enrich the arts across Michigan, including by supporting his grandson, Rick, in establishing ArtPrize, which has opened up so many opportunities for Grand Rapids. He was also very involved with many projects at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Generally, anything that helped make the community thrive, Rich was fully behind. As significant as those achievements are, his impact on west Michigan's economy was even greater and simply cannot be understated. Through his business sense, passion, and servant's heart, he created economic opportunities for countless west Michigan residents. Despite his monumental influence, Rich was as approachable and down to earth as they come. Rich generally cared about his community and the people he shared it with. Thank you for all you have done for west Michigan, Rich; and while your legacy will live on, know that your leadership and friendship will be deeply missed. Rest well, Rich. Rest well, knowing you ran a race well done.