Busy first week

In our first full week of the 118th Congress, we immediately set out to do the people’s business. The new House Republican Majority’s first priority was a bill to reverse the previous Congress’ $72 billion in spending to fund an army of 87,000 new IRS employees. The answer to ending Washington’s addiction to spending is not more government. I supported repealing these bureaucrats because we don’t need IRS agents harassing hardworking taxpayers, family farmers, and small businesses across Southwest Michigan.

Additionally, House Republicans took two important steps regarding China. I was happy to see a strong bipartisan vote on creating a new Select Committee on China. A majority of Democrats joined Republicans in support of this effort. Given the urgent need to reestablish our basic domestic supply chains in America, reduce dependence on China, and strengthen our manufacturing base here in Michigan, this Select Committee can be a bipartisan way to examine the challenges we face and craft solutions that create new opportunities as well as jobs here in the United States.

Another bipartisan bill passed last week would prevent the sale of oil from our nation’s strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) to China. With the SPR at its lowest level in 40 years, I was glad to see 113 House Democrats and 218 Republicans support this commonsense legislation. I am encouraged by these early examples of how bipartisan results can be achieved in divided government without compromising our principles.

I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the communities of Coloma, Hartford, and Watervliet in Congress. If you need assistance navigating a federal agency, such as the Social Security Administration, the VA, or the IRS, my office and I are here to help. Please visit my website at Huizenga.House.Gov or call my office in Holland at (616) 251-6741. My office in Washington can also provide help to constituents and can be reached at (202) 225-4401. There is so much to discuss, and I look forward to providing another update next week!