Bill Huizenga

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in regard to missed votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 191; YEA on Roll Call No. 192; and YEA on Roll Call No. 193.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate National Heritage Academies, or NHA as they are known, as they celebrate their 30th anniversary. It is critical that every child, regardless of income, background, or zip code, has access to a quality education. National Heritage Academies delivers on this goal! NHA prepares students from all walks of life for academic success while opening doors to trade schools, community colleges, and four-year universities. Since 1995, National Heritage Academies has offered quality education opportunities to more than 60,000 K-12 students. NHA runs over 100 charter schools primarily in my home state of Michigan, but has also expanded into 8 additional states. One of those schools in Michigan is Vanderbilt Charter Academy in Holland, Michigan, where I served on the board for 5 years. Charter schools provide families with a tuition-free alternative that offers greater choice in the education their children receive. National Heritage Academies strives to put kids on a trajectory to reach their full potential and achieve success both in and out of the classroom. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating National Heritage Academies as they celebrate their 30th anniversary.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a former colleague and, more importantly, a friend. Dino Dominic Falaschetti, or Dr. Dino as he was known to many of us, was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois. In high school, Dino was a standout golfer, and then in college he became a standout cyclist. That became a lifelong passion. To his friends, he was always the smartest and best dressed guy we knew. To say the least, Dino's academic achievements were impressive. He received a bachelor of science in accounting from Indiana University, then an MBA in finance and economics from the University of Chicago. He then went on to earn his Ph.D. in economics from Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Dino went on to work for a Fortune 100 company. He also served as a senior economist on the Council of Economic Advisers under George W. Bush and taught economics and finance at not just one, but three distinguished universities. He accomplished all of this before our paths first crossed in the summer of 2015. Dr. Dino, with his impeccable resume, had just been hired by former Chairman Jeb Hensarling to serve as the newly created position of chief economist to the House Committee on Financial Services. The chairman and myself had many discussions about the economic impacts of what was going on, and at one point Chairman Hensarling said: I need an economist to help us do this. Dino was the man that he hired. I was in my third term and had just been named chairman of the Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee. It turned out to be a match made in heaven. Although we took very different paths to get to the Financial Services Committee, we found ourselves together thinking and developing and debating the economic impact of legislation and the regulators in that space, and then going toe to toe with then-Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen. Throughout all of it, Dino was a consummate professional, intense and focused, but always taking time to explain complicated monetary policy to anyone--and I mean anyone--who would listen, whether it be a Member of Congress or a junior staffer, but it was always done with a smile. Dino was often known to say: ``Economics is easy, but politics is hard.'' Boy, is he right. Following his stint in the people's House, Dr. Dino's career path would make one final stop--this time at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. In 2019, Dino was nominated by President Trump to serve as the director of the Office of Financial Research. To no one's surprise, Dr. Dino was unanimously confirmed and served in that position until 2022. Through it all, Dr. Dino never forgot where he came from. He was devoted to his wife of 30 years, Suzanne; his dogs; his adopted hometown of Belgrade, Montana; and to others, along with serving his country. I will never forget and am deeply grateful for his work on my subcommittee, highlighting much-needed reforms to our financial system that brought about real change and some things that we are still debating yet today. His contributions to the Financial Services Committee and the House of Representatives will never be forgotten, not to mention the students and colleagues with whom he taught and worked who will always fondly remember Dr. Dino. Suzanne should know that she has been in our prayers and thoughts. May she experience blessings and peace as she moves forward. On behalf of his friends here in the U.S. House, we celebrate Dr. Dino's legacy and look forward to the day when we will meet him again. Rest in peace, my friend. Rest in peace.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in regard to missed votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 146, and YEA on Roll Call No. 147.

Mr. HUIZENGA

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

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the ranking member's work on this legislation, as well as the work of Chairwoman Kim, Mr. Bera, and Ms. Kamlager-Dove. This is what can happen when we come together and have our common interests as a nation be projected out to our allies. I have been involved in a number of other inter-parliamentary groups, IPGs, that really have allowed this body to build and foster relationships with others. It is those critical relationships, not just at the administrative level, but also at that legislative level, that can work through some of the challenges that occur at times with our allies. Mr. Speaker, let's pass this bill, Strengthening the Quad Act, and send an unmistakable message that the United States stands firm with our allies, committed to peace through strength, prosperity through unity, and an unbreakable defense of democracy against authoritarian threats. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, at this point, I have no further speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim), who is the chair of the Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1263, the Strengthening the Quad Act, introduced by my friend, Ranking Member Meeks, and the chairwoman of the East Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee, Congresswoman Young Kim. This legislation is a strategic, forward-thinking step that reinforces Congress' unwavering commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. At a time when the Chinese Communist Party is aggressively asserting its influence, militarizing the South China Sea, threatening Taiwan, coercing regional partners, and promoting authoritarianism, it is more critical than ever for the United States to deepen cooperation with like-minded democratic nations. The Quad, comprising the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, is not just another diplomatic forum. It is a powerful, strategic alliance built on unyielding values: respect for sovereignty, unwavering commitment to the rule of law, promotion of fair trade, and a relentless defense of democratic governance. This partnership is a force for stability and accountability in an increasingly turbulent world. The Strengthening the Quad Act takes this partnership to the next level. It empowers this relationship by ensuring regular, high-level engagement between the United States Congress and the legislatures of the Quad nations, fostering deeper collaboration and mutual understanding. We have seen the power of early engagement. On day one of President Trump's administration, Secretary Rubio convened the first-ever Quad foreign ministers meeting, demonstrating our dedication to confronting evolving geopolitical challenges alongside our democratic allies. By strengthening our partnership with the Quad, we are not just reinforcing alliances in the Indo-Pacific, we are drawing a clear line in the sand, or maybe the ocean as, Mr. Speaker, democratic values and the rule of law will, not might, shape the future of global power, not authoritarian coercion. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the South and Central and Asia Subcommittee, I support this legislation, 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 extraneous material on this matter.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1263) to require a strategy for bolstering engagement and cooperation between the United States, Australia, India, and Japan and to seek to establish a Quad Inter-Parliamentary Working Group to facilitate closer cooperation on shared interests and values.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mr. Wittman, on my side of the aisle. I especially thank those on the other side of the aisle, Mr. Olszewski and Mr. Auchincloss, and my good friend, the ranking member, Mr. Meeks, for working through this. Mr. Speaker, peace through strength is a theme of the United States that we have had for a long time, and it is something that is imperative right now. Without stalwart diplomacy from the United States and its allies and economic partners, Communist China's global reach will only mature, sowing instability and insecurity and, frankly, as I talked about, some economic challenges abroad. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the fact that the gentleman was talking a little bit about the private sector. I welcome and appreciate their involvement and their attempts to track and to analyze what is going on. These other attempts at offering that strategy and the mapping of the critical assets oftentimes lack up-to-date information and do not take into account the warfighter perspectives that President Trump's DOD brings nor do they really use the lens of the U.S. national priorities. Mr. Speaker, that is why I believe that this legislation is so important. The Strategic Ports Reporting Act was deliberated and negotiated within the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and a bipartisan consensus on the text was reached. That is where we are today. It remains imperative that the U.S. use all of its tools available to thwart malign Chinese influence and protect America's national security, our economic interests, and even our warfighters. That time is now, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the bipartisan involvement of the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Olszewski). Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 1701, the Strategic Ports Reporting Act, introduced alongside Representatives Rob Wittman, Jake Auchincloss, and Johnny Olszewski, and cosponsored by a bipartisan group of colleagues. Mr. Speaker, this bill is simple, yet it is very necessary to expose the risks, the threats, and the vulnerabilities presented by overt Chinese-controlled global ports. Specifically, the Strategic Ports Reporting Act requires the State Department, in coordination with the Defense Department, to develop a global mapping of foreign and domestic ports of strategic importance to the United States due to their capacity of providing military, diplomatic, economic, or resource exploration superiority. In other words, these are ports that are most important to the interests of the United States, both domestically and abroad. Additionally, this bill requires a study analyzing the activities and plans of the PRC to expand its web of control over global strategic ports, while recognizing the U.S. national security and economic implications for such ownership. China's malign influence abroad continues to reach new corners of the global economy. Emerging from the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese President Xi Jinping's companion initiative, known as the Maritime Silk Road, ratifies a dominating stake in various countries by making critical investment in their strategic ports, some of which exist right here in the United States. Something that should resonate with all of our constituencies, as we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic, is that vulnerabilities in supply chains have a significant, real-world effect on our supply, on pricing, and access to essential goods. Moreover, the likelihood of the PRC leveraging its port infrastructure to exert economic leverage in the future remains a significant challenge to the United States and our allies. While many of these investments and port projects are portrayed as commercial relationships, the PRC's global reach is cause for concern, given that many of these ports pose significant dual-use military risks. The fact remains that Chinese investments in strategic ports offer the CCP a launchpad to engage in a campaign of modern-day espionage. Let's look at a couple of examples, Mr. Speaker. In the Western Hemisphere, the PRC opened its crown jewel, a gateway connecting South America to Asia in Chancay, Peru. This multibillion-dollar, deepwater megaport is owned by a Chinese state-owned entity, COSCO Shipping, which has ties to the People's Liberation Army. Additionally, Chinese-tied entities manage ports at both ends of the Panama Canal. Here, the CCP coordinates private companies in pursuit of its communist agendas and wields the power to garner more political influence in a volatile region. I commend President Trump and his administration for its leadership and persistence to work with the Panamanians and BlackRock to change this reality. In the United States, two Chinese-owned entities, COSCO Shipping and China Merchants Group, a major participant and proponent in China BRI, controls significant portions of the Ports of Long Beach, Seattle, Los Angeles, Houston, and Miami. The opportunity we created, exposing our critical infrastructure to cybersecurity risks, foreign intelligence threats, and supply chain vulnerabilities, cannot be understated in my opinion. Outside of our hemisphere, China casts a wide geostrategic footprint of malign influence at other critical chokepoints, including a multitude of Chinese-financed, developed, or managed ports across Africa. These ambitions provide access to critical minerals, naval launchpads, and consequential state power projections. Additionally, the deep-sea port in the city of Anaklia on Georgia's Black Sea coast recently granted the tender for construction to a Chinese consortium sanctioned by the U.S. in 2020 for promoting militarization in the South China Sea. The strategic location of this port in the Middle Corridor, the trade route between China and Europe, would make this a crucial project for President Xi. Unfortunately, I believe many of these projects are just another example of emerging economies lured in by China's debt-trap diplomacy. To combat these efforts, the heads of relevant U.S. Government agencies must work collaboratively and creatively to ensure open access and security for strategic ports and offer alternatives to PRC investments in these ports. The Strategic Ports Reporting Act helps accomplish that goal. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, May 19, 2025. Hon. Brian Mast, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Mast: I write concerning H.R. 1701, the Strategic Ports Reporting Act, introduced by Representative Huizenga. As a result of your having consulted with us on provisions within H.R. 1701 that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services, I agree to forego any further consideration of this resolution so that it may proceed expeditiously to the House floor for consideration. The Committee on Armed Services takes this action with our mutual understanding that by foregoing consideration of H.R. 1701 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over subject matter contained in this or similar legislation and that our committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as this resolution or similar legislation moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues in our jurisdiction. Finally, I ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included by House Committee on Foreign Affairs in the Congressional Record during floor consideration, to memorialize our understanding. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Michael D. Rogers, Chairman, House Committee on Armed Services.

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

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1701) to require the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State to monitor efforts by the People's Republic of China to build or buy strategic foreign ports, and for other purposes.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on missed votes from May 14, 2025. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 129.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, service, and memory of Staff Sergeant Troy Smith Knutson-Collins. On April 1, a month ago today, Staff Sergeant Knutson-Collins tragically lost his life during a tactical training exercise in Lithuania that also killed three other members of the 3rd Infantry Division. Troy was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, graduating from Harper Creek High School in 2015. Troy had many hobbies, including woodworking, football, and gaming. After graduating high school, he actually played semi-pro football before he enlisted in the Army at age 20, where he served as an artillery mechanic. Staff Sergeant Troy Smith Knutson-Collins was deployed to Korea twice and was serving in Lithuania when tragedy struck. In honor of his service, he will be returning back home to Battle Creek and will be buried at the Fort Custer National Cemetery tomorrow, on Friday. Troy is survived by his wife and five children, along with his parents, Robert and Tosha Collins, and six siblings. Mr. Speaker, I ask that we may all rise and honor the memory of Staff Sergeant Troy Smith Knutson-Collins with a moment of silence. Rest well, soldier. Rest well.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on missed votes from April 8, 2025. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 91.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, the Bureau's overdraft rule would implement government price controls over a product that has proven necessary for consumers to make day-to-day purchases. Today, Congress has an opportunity to invalidate this Biden-era rule that, if implemented, would severely impact community banks and local credit unions by restricting the services they can offer, while at the same time depriving millions of Americans of an important financial safety net. According to a 2024 survey, consumers stated that they use overdraft services because they lack credit alternatives. Taking away this backstop, which Americans say they use when in a pinch for food, utilities, and transportation, only further limits the financial options that they have available to them. According to a New York Fed study--not exactly a conservative institution, I will tell you that--entitled, ``Who Pays the Price? Overdraft Fee Ceilings and the Unbanked,'' the New York Fed says: ``Overdraft fee caps hinder financial inclusion. When constrained by fee caps, banks reduce overdraft coverage and deposit supply, causing more returned checks and a decline in account ownership among low- income households.'' Mr. Speaker, I happen to know that because I have represented some of the poorest counties in the State of Michigan in my time in Congress. This is a valuable tool those on the lower end of the economic rung use. After the November election and President Trump won, regulators got the message, for the most part, to stop their rulemaking and put their pens down. However, Director Rohit Chopra couldn't help himself. This is a clear example of government knows best, and we know what this is really about. Fewer community banks and credit unions will lead to more consolidation and less options. I believe most Members here share a common goal to ensure financial inclusion, as well as financial literacy and awareness. Frankly, this rule isn't going to accomplish that. My friends on the other side of the aisle know it. After the bank failures of 2023, community financial institutions lost consumers and remain at a disadvantage. Again, any rule that leads to greater consolidation in the banking industry only benefits the largest financial institutions in America, a class of banks regularly attacked by Members on the other side, and yet now they are trying to help them. Although overdraft is one of the most transparent and competitive products available in depository banking, they make up about 2 percent of consumer complaints. How have the banks responded? They have responded by proactively taking steps to promote further transparency in their overdraft products without government intervention. This includes low-balance alerts, grace periods, and other innovative tools that make sure consumers are protected from unnecessary fees. Financial institutions in my home State of Michigan, who represent roughly 12 million customers and hundreds of billions of dollars in deposits, have shared stories of consumers who use this overdraft strategy to ensure important expenses are paid. Rent, utilities, and medical bills are ultimately paid when a shortfall exists. Mr. Speaker, with that, I request a ``yea'' vote from my colleagues.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Jaqua Realtors as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. This achievement represents more than a half-century of service to the people of Southwest Michigan. In 1975, Jaqua Realtors began with a single office in Kalamazoo operated by Chuck Jaqua. Since the doors first opened, Jaqua has opened thirteen more offices across Southwest Michigan. As a small business owner myself, I can attest that the hard work and dedication of the whole Jaqua family is a true representation of the American Dream. Marking half a century as a family-owned business. Since their founding, ownership has remained in the family. The business is currently under the leadership of Dan Jaqua, who sees the value of maintaining his late father's commitment to the community. Jaqua Realtors is a prominent piece of the Southwest Michigan community. They believe in a hands-on approach to community support and have been extensively philanthropic since their foundation. Jaqua Realtors has contributed to groups such as the Kalamazoo Literary Council, Girls on the Run, and the Greater Kalamazoo United Way. We would like to thank Jaqua Realtors for more than fifty years of outstanding dedication in Southwest Michigan. This achievement is truly remarkable. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Jaqua Realtors as they celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 36; YEA on Roll Call No. 37; and YEA on Roll Call No. 38.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of Ms. Kathy Wagaman, Executive Director of the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce. Beginning in 2011, Kathy's leadership has been instrumental in the introduction of many programs and initiatives aimed at increasing opportunity and prosperity for businesses throughout the South Haven area. As Kathy looks forward to retirement, Southwest Michigan is grateful for the dedication she has shown throughout her career. Kathy first visited South Haven in 1988 when she arrived aboard her 29-foot sailboat, this visit sparked a passion for South Haven and all those who call it home. Throughout her career, she has served in many roles including General Sales Manager for the Battle Creek Radio Group, Business Manager for the Holland Rescue Mission, and as a small business owner, Kathy even possesses a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton captain's license. Regardless of her role, Kathy leads with passion and makes all those around her better. Under her leadership, the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce has expanded to 457 business and nonprofit members, taken leadership of the farmers market, SNAP programs, and the National Blueberry Festival, and implemented innovative programs like Project Fresh and Youth in Business. Under Kathy's leadership, South Haven has become an even more special place to live, work, and raise a family. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Ms. Kathy Wagaman for her commitment to the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce, its members, and all residents of Southwest Michigan.

Mr. HUIZENGA

Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Sheriff Steve Kempker on his retirement following 44 years of outstanding service to Ottawa County. Sheriff Kempker has been a sworn officer of the law for over four decades, protecting the citizens of West Michigan, and I thank him for his courageous service in the line of duty. Sheriff Kempker began his law enforcement career in 1980 with the City of Holland Police Department before joining the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office in 1989. Throughout his career, Sheriff Kempker served the county in a variety of roles, including Road Patrol Sergeant, Operations & Services Lieutenant, Captain, and Undersheriff. In 2016, Steve Kempker was elected as the 33rd Sheriff of Ottawa County. In addition to his storied career as an officer, Sheriff Kempker has been a part of several law enforcement organizations and was appointed by Governor Rick Snyder and reappointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the State of Michigan Mental Health Diversion Council. He also served on the Michigan High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Board under the President's Office of Drug Control and Policy. Sheriff Kempker has been an outstanding public servant for the people of Ottawa County for over 40 years. I am honored to call Steve a friend and wish him the best in his well-earned retirement. His impact on our community will never be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, please join me in commending Sheriff Steve Kempker for his decades of exceptional service to Ottawa County. I wish him the best as he enjoys his well-deserved retrrement.